UFC 256 has lost yet another fight because of COVID-19. Heavyweight bout Jared Vanderaa (11-4) vs Sergey Spivak (11-2) will not be happening as sources report that Vanderaa tested positive for COVID-19. The news was confirmed by MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun. At this current time, it is unknown whether UFC will find a replacement fighter.
I can confirm reports that Jared Vanderaa vs. Sergey Spivak is OFF #UFC256. Vanderaa tested positive for COVID-19, per sources.
— Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) December 10, 2020
Vanderaa vs. Spivak Latest Fight off UFC 256
This is the fourth fight to be affected by COVID-19 for UFC 256. Earlier in the week, straw-weight fighter Angela Hill (12-9) was slated to fight Tecia Torres (11-5) but was cancelled after Hill tested positive. Hill announced the news on her Instagram.
“Unfortunately I tested positive for Covid-19 and won’t be fighting next week,” wrote Hill. However, the UFC found a replacement fighter for Torres who will now be facing promotional newcomer Sam Hughes (5-1).
Similarly middleweight bout, Karl Roberson (9-3) vs Dalcha Lungiambula (10-2) was supposed to happen this Saturday but has been postponed until December 19th after Robinson was diagnosed with COVID-19. Lungiambula announced the news through his Twitter post.
To my family, friends, and team champion. Thank you so much for the love and support.
My opponent @karlbabyk has been diagnosed with COVID-19, therefore @UFC has decided to move our fight to the 19th DECEMBER 2020. Wishing @K_babyk_roberson a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/PI7fM3SJAY
— Dalcha Lungiambula (@Dalcha_Champion) December 7, 2020
“My opponent @karlbabyk has been diagnosed with COVID-19, therefore @UFC has decided to move our fight to the 19th DECEMBER 2020,” wrote Lungiambula.
Furthermore Dwight Grant (10-3) was set to compete against Li Jingliang (17-6) in a middleweight clash but was cancelled after Grant tested positive for COVID-19. The American posted the news on his Instagram.
“I gotta give y’all some bad news, I’m not going to be fighting this weekend,” Grant wrote. “My last Covid 19 test came back positive but luckily the symptoms haven’t been severe.”
UFC 256 is happening on December 12th at the UFC APEX, Las Vegas. The main event will be headlined in a flyweight clash between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno after both competed just three weeks prior at UFC 255.
Updated Fight Card
Here is the updated lineup for UFC 256.
Main Card:
- Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Brandon Moreno
- Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira
- Rafael Fiziev vs. Renato Moicano
- Kevin Holland vs. Ronaldo Souza
- Junior Dos Santos vs. Ciryl Gane
Prelims:
- Daniel Pineda vs. Cub Swanson
- Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba
- Billy Quarantillo vs. Gavin Tucker
- Tecia Torres vs. Sam Hughes
Early Prelims:
- Sergey Spivak vs. TBA
- Peter Barrett vs. Chase Hooper
Featured image:
Embed from Getty Images
