Dana White’s Contender Series Season 4 kicks off tomorrow night, with Dustin Jacoby and Ty Flores in the featured spot.
However, a bout between Kevin Syler and Kenny Cross was originally set to headline the card, but Syler would be pulled from the card for undisclosed reasons and get replaced by Damonte Robinson.
Syler has now taken to Facebook to reveal that the reason he isn’t competing tomorrow night is due to a positive coronavirus test:
“I must announce my withdrawal from my fight August 4th. I have tested positive for Covid 19, the symptoms started around the start of this week. Unfortunately, I couldn't say anything about it until the tests came back. I apologize to Contender Series, my opponent Kenny Cross, and everybody that was excited to see this fight. I was prepared and on weight, but God is in charge and I hope we can reschedule this match for a later date. This is the first time I'm forced to withdraw from a match in my amateur and pro career.. I have fought sick, I have fought despite having my cheekbone fractured 4 weeks out of the fight, I have fought guys that missed weight... Anyway.. This one is out of my hands, we're in a global pandemic and the safety of everyone comes first. Thank you everybody for the huge support!! I'll be back @ufc @seanshelby”
This would’ve been Syler’s second chance to earn a contract with the UFC, as he was victorious over Lance Lawrence in season three, but wasn’t offered a contract by UFC President Dana White at that time.
