Marina Rodriguez and Carla Esparza will not compete on ‘Fight Island.’
The strawweight matchup has been removed from the July 15 UFC event taking place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The cancellation came after one of Rodriguez’s cornermen tested positive for coronavirus. MMA Junkie’s Nolan King confirmed the news following a Friday report by MMA Fighting.
Rodriguez (12-0-2 MMA, 2-0-2) had her COVID-19 test come back negative, but due to precautionary reasons, the bout was scrapped.
The Brazilian is undefeated in four UFC fights. The 32-year-old competitor most recently fought Cynthia Calvillo to a majority draw in December.
Meanwhile, Esparza (16-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) defeated Michelle Waterson at UFC 249. The former UFC and Invicta FC 115-pound champion is currently on a three-fight winning streak.
This marks the second fight on the card affected by coronavirus. Anderson dos Santos was also from the event due to a positive COVID-19 test and will no longer compete on the card.
