Amanda Ribas vs. Angela Hill off UFC on ESPN 24 after positive COVID-19 test
The hits keep on coming with UFC on ESPN 24 up until the last minute.
Just hours before Saturday’s event, an intriguing strawweight bout between Angela Hill and Amanda Ribas was removed from the lineup after Ribas tested positive for COVID-19. It’s the second time that Ribas has tested positive for the coronavirus.
A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed the news to MMA Junkie following an initial report from MMA Fighting. Ribas subsequently commented on the situation in her Instagram story.
“So, guys, as you can see, my hair was ready, I was ready, I came here with negative tests, and then I received the news that I have (tested positive),” Ribas said. “I hope you guys can still send the vibes for me. Kisses!”
Hill vs. Ribas is the third fight lost from the finalized UFC on ESPN 24 lineup.
Philipe Lins fell ill Friday and wasn’t medically cleared to compete, leading to his withdrawal from a heavyweight bout with Ben Rothwell before weigh-ins. A flyweight fight between Zarrukh Adashev and Ryan Benoit also was scratched following Benoit’s scary trip to the scale that resulted in him being hospitalized.
The three fight cancellations are in addition to UFC on ESPN 24 losing its original main event between returning former bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw and Cory Sandhagen two weeks ago.
UFC on ESPN 24 will proceed with nine bouts at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+.
Here is the latest lineup:
MAIN CARD (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET)
- Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson
- Donald Cerrone vs. Alex Morono
- Neil Magny vs. Geoff Neal
- Maurice Greene vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
- Diego Ferreira vs. Gregor Gillespie
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)
- Kyle Daukaus vs. Phil Hawes
- Ludovit Klein vs. Mike Trizano
- Tafon Nchukwi vs. Jun Yong Park
- Christian Aguilera vs. Carlston Harris
