Brahimaj removed from UFC card after cornerman tests positive for COVID-19
Ramiz Brahimaj has been removed from this weekend's UFC card after one of his cornermen tested positive for the coronavirus, the promotion announced Thursday night.
Brahimaj was scheduled to meet Takashi Sato in a welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Hooker, which will take place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. UFC newcomer Jason Witt will fight Sato on short notice.
Witt's involvement is pending medical clearance from the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which will include a COVID-19 test. Witt will not attend the official weigh-ins Friday morning, but rather weigh in separately. He will also not participate in the staredowns.
Brahimaj was scheduled to make his Octagon debut against Sato. He has a pro record of 8-2 and is coming off a win at LFA 62 in March 2019.
Witt, who's fought under the Bellator, LFA, and Titan FC banners, has competed 22 times as a pro. The 33-year-old is riding a four-fight winning streak. Sato, meanwhile, is coming off a September loss to Belal Muhammad and holds a 1-1 UFC record.
Saturday's event will be headlined by a lightweight bout between former interim champion Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker.