Brazilian Ronaldo Souza should have been a middleweight fighter against Jamaican Uriah Hall, but was turned off at the last minute as he tested positive for covid-19 during Friday. Two of his employees were also found to be carrying the infection.

"All three have left the hotel and will quarantine elsewhere," said a UFC representative late Friday, local time.

All other participants have tested negative, and the gala will be implemented as planned.

"We believe we should do this now in a place where everything is as safe as it can be," UFC President Dana White told CNN Sport.

The gala in Jacksonville, Florida, is to be held without crowds and is the first major sporting event in the country since virtually all sports were stopped to limit the ongoing pandemic.

The main match is the lightweight interim title match between Tony Ferguson, USA, and compatriot Justin Gaethjas.

ARCHIVE: UFC Swedish Pannie Kianzad can compete on a private island (April 7, 2020)

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