Report: Edwards tests positive for COVID-19, out of Chimaev fight

The highly anticipated welterweight bout between Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev will no longer headline UFC Fight Night on Dec. 19 because Edwards recently tested positive for COVID-19, sources told ESPN's Ariel Helwani.

The UFC reportedly hopes to reschedule the contest for early 2021.

Edwards' case of COVID-19 was "pretty severe," reports ESPN's Brett Okamoto, citing sources; he apparently lost 12 pounds in four days. Edwards is reportedly in the process of recovering at home.

The No. 3-ranked welterweight was looking to end a 17-month layoff. He was scheduled to face former champion Tyron Woodley in March, but the fight was called off due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Edwards, 29, is coming off a win over Rafael dos Anjos in July 2019 and is riding an eight-fight winning streak.

Chimaev, meanwhile, is the hottest prospect in the promotion. He made his Octagon debut in July and has finished three straight opponents, most recently knocking out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds.

The UFC is considering moving the welterweight co-main event between Stephen Thompson and Geoff Neal into the main-event slot, Helwani added.

The year-end card, which is set for the UFC Apex, also features Marlon Moraes versus Rob Font, Jose Aldo versus Marlon Vera, and Greg Hardy versus Marcin Tybura.