Ian Heinisch re-instated to Compete at UFC 250 After Corner man's false COVID-19 result (Updated)
A false positive COVID-19 test from Ian Heinisch's camp almost kept the middleweight off UFC 250.
One of the cornermen for Ian Heinisch returned a suspected positive COVID-19 result Thursday. However, a second round of testing revealed no illness, per MMA Junkie.
The 185-pound fringe contender will resume training and enters the Octagon vs. Ian Meerschaert Saturday.
Many outlets jumped on reports which, if true, would've placed the Heinisch cornerman alongside Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza as the second UFC personnel to return COVID-19 positive. Souza did not compete at UFC 249.
Ranked #13 among 185-pound octagon competitors, the former All American wrestler Heinisch has lost consecutive fights vs. Derek Brunson and Omari Akhmedov. Those setbacks chased a 2-0 UFC entrance highlighted by a unanimous victory over regarded Antonio Carlos Junior.
Heinisch is a -135 favorite vs. Meerschaert. Now, slated replacement Anthony Ivy remains on standby pending event weigh-ins.
The Wisconsin native Meetschaert has won just two of his last five, however, "3M" garnered his 23rd pro submission in March vs. Derek Winn. Meerschaert has made ten octagon appearances while registering six victories over entry-level competition.
At 30, Ivy has won five straight, stopping each professional challenge. The Brazilian Top Team member's two losses come by submission.
With Heinisch and Meerschaert again set to take place, this latest hiccup shows weak areas exist in the UFC pre-fight testing protocol. With major sports looking to continue during crisis expect fluid testing situations to arise as COVID-19 tracking resources evolve.
UFC 250 Nunes vs. Spencer takes place from Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. Twelve event matchups are scheduled to begin on Fight Pass and culminate on pay-per-view.
