Coach Mike Brown won?t be able to corner Masvidal at UFC 251 due to a positive coronavirus test and the news has devastated the UFC fighter.
?It sucked emotionally just because I want him there,? Masvidal told ESPN (via Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie). ?When I get that belt, 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 a long time, as well. It was just like, it took the air from all of us. Every single one of me and my cornermen were devastated by it. But thank God (that) Mike has no symptoms, nothing.?
Masvidal will still have four corners at UFC 251, with a fourth one not yet named by the BMF Champion.
Brown also issued a statement to ESPN, saying he is heartbroken to not be able to corner Masvidal at UFC 251.
?Just heartbroken I?m not going to see Jorge win the world championship in person,? Brown said. ?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.?
UFC 251 takes place on Saturday, July 11 from Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi with Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.