Earlier this month – one-time title challenger, Glover Teixeira was forced out of his main event clash opposite fellow former title challenger, Thiago ‘Marreta’ Santos at UFC Fight Night Vegas after he tested positive for COVID-19. Rescheduled for a ‘Fight Island’ event on October 3rd. – the pairing has been shelved once more, with Santos testing positive for the novel coronavirus on this occasion.
Hoping to make his first Octagon appearance of the year, Santos was slated for a first outing since his championship challenge defeat to Jon Jones at UFC 239 last July – suffering a slew of debilitating leg injuries in the process. News of Santos’ positive test result was initially reported by Combate reporter, Marcelo Barone.
Set to feature beneath the headlining pairing of former bantamweight champion, Holly Holm, and streaking contender, Irene Aldana at the ‘Fight Island’ event – the matching has been scrapped for the second time.
For Teixeira, the veteran Minas Gerais native was hoping to add to his eye-catching four-fight surge. The Brazilian puncher has notched recent wins over Karl Roberson, Ion Cuţelaba, Nikita Krylov, and recent title challenger, Anthony Smith – who he demolished at UFC Fight Night Jacksonville in May.
Since his transition from middleweight to 205-pounds back in September 2018 – 36-year-old Muay Thai ace, Santos has secured wins over Eryk Anders, perennial contender, Jimi Manuwa, and upcoming vacant title challenger, Jan Błachowicz.
As of writing, it is yet to be determined if the promotion will look for a short-notice replacement in order to keep Teixeira on the card, or decide to rework the pairing yet again.
