A coronavirus scare has hit the UFC's planned return on Sunday with Ronaldo Souza testing positive for COVID-19.
'Jacare' was scheduled to fight American Uriah Hall on the undercard of UFC 249 in Florida this weekend, and even weighed in on Saturday.
The Brazilian was sporting gloves and a protective face mask, and did square off against his opponent, who was also wearing protective equipment.
The UFC told ESPN the card will still go on as planned.
Souza arrived in Jacksonville earlier in the week and informed UFC officials that a family member had tested positive for COVID-19.
The middleweight was asymptomatic, but was isolated and tested, and the test came back positive on Saturday.
The UFC conferred with Florida state athletic officials, who said confirmed the fights can go on as scheduled because the process worked in Souza's case.
The UFC released a statement on Saturday afternoon confirming 'Jacare's' cornerman also tested postive for cornavirus.
"COVID-19 tests for Souza’s two cornermen were also flagged as positive.
"UFC’s medical team examined Souza and his two cornermen and found them to be currently asymptomatic, or not exhibiting the common symptoms of COVID-19.
"As per UFC’s health and safety protocols, all three men have left the host hotel and will be self-isolating off premises, where UFC’s medical team will monitor their conditions remotely and will provide assistance with any necessary treatment.
"From their arrival earlier in the week until their departure today, Souza and his cornermen followed UFC health and safety protocols, including practicing social distancing, wearing personnel protective equipment, and self-isolating whenever possible.
"There have been no other positive COVID-19 tests reported from the remaining athletes participating in UFC 249.
The response to this development is indicative of the effectiveness of the health and safety measures UFC has put in place for this event. "
The card is headlined by two title fights and will be the first live sports event to be held in the United States in two months.
