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“They Tested Me Twice” – UFC Fighter Tests Positive for Coronavirus 2 Days Before Fight

ByShantanu Mayenkar

Modified Jun 19, 2020 | 6:02 AM EDT

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The UFC pulled lightweight contender Matt Frevola from the June 20 card as his teammate tested positive for the coronavirus.

Frevola is 8-1-1 in his pro mixed martial arts career. The lightweight was expected to fight inside the UFC Apex against Frank Camacho. “Steamrolla” is on a two-fight win streak and has not competed since his fight with Luis Pena at UFC on ESPN+19.

According to the American, his teammate—Billy Quarantillo—tested positive for the coronavirus. It is worth noting that Quarantillo competed in the UFC just a few weeks ago. Frevola also revealed that he tried everything in his power to convince the UFC. But the company pulled the plug, anyway.

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Matt Frevola announces his removal from the card

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The UFC has pulled me from my fight due to one of my cornerman testing positive for COVID-19. We did everything possible to make this fight happen. They tested me twice and both results came back negative. I also provided proof of my positive antibodies test from April 30th but the UFC did not want any liability or to risk it. Being that there is a lack of knowledge on the incubation period and still so many unknowns regarding covid 19, they decided to pull me bc of the positive test result from my teammate and brother, Billy Q. He’s been a huge help and source of support throughout camp and I have no hard feelings. He is 100% healthy at the moment and feels fine, so he must be a symptomatic. This is a Crazy situation and everything happens for a reason. I am on weight and prepared to the fullest. I was really excited for this fight with Frank and told him if they find him a new opponent for Saturday I will be rooting for him. If not, I’m willing to rebook this fight ASAP or when ever he wants. I’m sorry to everyone who was excited to watch me fight and supports me along this journey, I really felt the love ❤️ ✊🏻. Can’t believe I’m the first fighter to get 2 fights canceled due to this virus (without even having it) but I know it has effected a lot more lives in worse ways 🙏🏻 . Figuring out the next move from here and will keep moving forward, that’s what we do! Should be booked to fight again ASAP and hope the UFC continues to take care of me.
A post shared by Matt Frevola (@steamrollafrevola_mma) on Jun 18, 2020 at 7:03am PDT

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As Frevola mentioned, this is the second time that his fight fell apart due to the coronavirus. He had to fight Roosevelt Roberts on April 30. However, the card was canceled. This is a huge financial blow for him as his last match was nearly seven months ago.

The coronavirus has deeply impacted the UFC

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The virus has severely affected the UFC. Ian Heinisch almost lost his fight against Gerald Meerschaert as his cornerman tested positive before UFC 250. However, it was later revealed that the result was a false positive. Last month, UFC light heavyweight Jacare Souza was pulled from UFC 249 as he and his cornermen tested positive.

Do you believe that the UFC made the right call?