Jorge Masvidal’s head coach tests positive for Covid-19 – Misses UFC 251
UFC 251 continues to take hits, though this time it’s not a fighter who’s been impacted. Mike Brown, head coach to BMF champ Jorge Masvidal, has tested positive for Covid-19. This has prevented him from being able to fly out to Abu Adhabi to corner Masvidal for title fight against reigning champion Kamaru Usman. Ironically enough, Masvidal received a title shot after stepping in on short notice to replace Gilbert Burns – Who was also forced out due to testing positive for the aforementioned virus.
As if the circumstanced leading up to the fight weren’t hectic enough, Masvidal will be forced to adapt even further. The BMF champion addressed the issue recently.
“It sucked emotionally just because I want him there when I get that belt,” Masvidal told ESPN. “I needed this individual to be there because he’s a huge part of my career. He’s been there for such a long time. We’ve been friends for such a long time as well. It took the air from all of us.
“Every single one of me and my cornermen were devastated by it. Thank god, Mike doesn’t have any symptoms, nothing, any cold symptoms or sore throat or nothing. So he’s great right now.”
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Despite contracting the virus, Brown is in good physical health. He, however, is also deeply saddened about missing UFC 251.
“Just heartbroken I’m not going to see Jorge win the world championship in person,” Brown told ESPN. “Nobody deserves it more than this guy. Nobody has paid more dues. Jorge is also one of the most thoughtful athletes I’ve ever met. He makes everyone feel they are with him and a huge part of this journey.
“The truth is this guy has been honing his skills for more than 20 years and developed one of the highest fight IQs the sport has ever seen. As far as being COVID positive, I feel good. The only pain I feel is in my heart”.
Masvidal may be taking this welterweight title bout on short notice, but it is against an opponent he’s more than familiar with. Masvidal and Usman have been on a collision coarse since earlier, though negotiations for their initial bout fell through. The two welterweights had an altercation at the Super Bowl in January of this year, and will finally have a chance to settle their rivalry on Saturday night.
