Mike Brown talks to Jorge Masvidal during training session.
Mike Brown won’t corner Jorge Masvidal after positive COVID-19 test
Mike Brown, one of the best coaches in the sport of mixed martial artists, will not be in Jorge Masvidal’s corner this weekend at UFC 251 after testing positive for COVID-19.
Combate was first to report the news of Brown’s positive test and Brown also confirmed the news to MMA Junkie. The longtime American Top Team coach received the test on Monday in Las Vegas during the pre-fight screenings required to travel to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (“Fight Island”).
Along with Brown, ATT coach Gabriel Oliveira also tested positive.
Brown serves as Masvidal’s head coach and now with Brown unable to be at the fight, it is unclear who will be in Masvidal’s corner when he takes on Kamaru Usman for welterweight championship in the main event of UFC 251.
Masvidal accepted the fight on a week’s notice after Gilbert Burns was forced to pull out of the fight after testing positive for coronavirus last Friday.
“Gamebred” did pass his COVID-19 test on Monday and was flown to “Fight Island.”
This fight will be Masvidal’s first fight since winning the BMF title in November when he beat fan favorite Nick Diaz. He was one of the hottest fighters in 2019, picking up knockout wins over Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Diaz. Masvidal’s five second knockout over Askren last July was the fastest in UFC history.
The Usman and Masvidal fight is one of three title fights on this Saturday’s card. The co-main event will feature a featherweight title rematch between champion Alexander Volkanovski and former featherweight king Max Holloway. Before those two fights, Petr Yan and Jose Aldo will fight for the vacant bantamweight championship.
