Ramiz Brahimaj out of UFC on ESPN 12 after cornerman tests positive for COVID-19
The octagon debut of Ramiz Brahimaj will have to wait.
Brahimaj is out of his welterweight bout with Takashi Sato at UFC on ESPN 12 this Saturday, June 27, after one of his cornermen tested positive for COVID-19.
Stepping in to replace Brahimaj is fellow newcomer Jason Witt. According to the UFC’s statement, Witt is still waiting for medical clearance before he faces Sato at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada this Saturday.
Witt will not participate in the official weigh-ins and face-offs today, Friday, June 26. The Nevada State Athletic Commission is allowing the 33-year-old to weigh in separately.
Training out of Glory MMA and Fitness under UFC fighter James Krause, Witt holds a 17-5 record. He is currently on a four-fight win streak. Witt most recently beat Zak Bucia by unanimous decision at FAC 2 on Feb. 22.
It happens
This is the third time a cornerman tested positive since the promotion returned during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 9. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and two of his cornermen tested positive, forcing Souza out of his bout with Uriah Hall at UFC 249.
At UFC 250, one of Ian Heinisch’s corners tested positive initially. After the corner took another test, the first result proved to be a false-positive. Heinisch was reinstated and defeated Gerald Meerschaert via first-round TKO on June 6.
Most recently. Matt Frevola was removed from UFC on ESPN 11 this past weekend after cornerman and UFC fighter Billy Quarantillo tested positive. Frevola was slated to fight Frank Camacho on Saturday, May 20.
Mara Romero Borella is also off of Saturday’s card after her opponent Miranda Maverick withdrew due to injury. UFC on ESPN 12 will consist of 10 bouts.
