UFC is having a hard time organizing the event because their fighters are continuously attacked by Covid-19.
As expected, Pedro Munhoz will stand at UFC Fight Night 172 on July 16. The opponent of Brazilian boxers is Frankie Edgar. However, the UFC has confirmed that Pedro Munhoz has been positive for Covid-19 and has never returned.
The UFC is currently looking for an alternative and the match with Frankie Edgar on July 16 will continue as usual. However, with too much time and the mandatory requirements of medical examination, it is possible that Edgar’s debut in the weight class from 53 to 55 kg will have to be rescheduled.
Pedro Munhoz (18-4-1 MMA) is a 7th ranked fighter in the UFC chicken rankings. The Brazilian puncher has just been stopped for a series of 3 wins when facing Aljamain Sterling at UFC 238. With the forced withdrawal from UFC Fight Night 172, Munhoz’s time to return to the championship race will be greatly interrupted.
UFC Fight Night 172 currently has 8 matches scheduled, the match is the confrontation between Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige in featherweight class (61-66 kg). Up to 4 matches have been canceled or affected because of Covid-19, besides the Battle of Munhoz – Edgar there are also matches Vinicius Moreira – Modestas Bukauskas, Anderson dos Santos – Jack Shore and Carla Esparza – Marina Rodriguez.
In addition to Munhoz, Moreira, along with Dos Santos, were infected with Covid-19, causing the matches with these fighters to change. A coach of Marina Rodriguez was positive for the virus so although Marina was not positive, UFC had to move this match to another event.
Before Pedro Munhoz, another Brazilian boxer Gilbert Burns was also positive for Covid-19 and withdrew from the title match at the imminent UFC 251. So, the players attending the upcoming martial arts events are very worried. UFC President Dana White has not yet commented on the incident.
