Could this be the next cursed match-up after Khabib Nurmagomedov – Tony Ferguson? Thiago Santos will not be fighting Glover Teixeira on Fight Island as planned after he tested positive for COVID-19.
The pair were originally scheduled to fight last weekend before news emerged that Teixeira had tested positive for COVID-19.
As a result, the Brazilians were due to compete on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island – dubbed “Fight Island” – on 3 October.
Due to Santos contracting the coronavirus, he is unable to travel to the United Arab Emirates for the fight. At present, it’s unclear whether Teixeira will get a different opponent for the same event or if the UFC will scramble to book this intriguing contest on another date.
Santos hasn’t competed since his UFC light heavyweight title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 239 in July, 2019. “Marreta” had to undergo surgery on both of his knees following that fight, so this latest news will come as a blow to the Rio de Janeiro native.
While his compatriot has been inactive, Teixeira has enjoyed a career resurgence in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
Teixeira is riding a four-fight win streak with wins over solid names in their division, including Ion Cutelaba, Nikita Krylov and Anthony Smith.
It’s thought that this match-up could determine the next challenger to either Dominick Reyes or Jan Blachowicz after they compete for the vacant belt at 205 pounds.