UFC welterweight and perennial contender Matt Brown has been removed from his upcoming contest against Bryan Barberena at UFC Vegas 44.
Matt Brown, 40, revealed on Tuesday via social media that he was pulled from the bout after testing positive for COVID-19. The fight against Barberena is off. However, the card remains with a very strong main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Dec. 4. Former featherweight champion Jose Aldo looks to keep title aspirations alive at bantamweight when he’s tasked with facing Rob Font.
Shitty day today I tested positive for covid so my fight next weekend is off
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) November 24, 2021
“Shitty day today I tested positive for covid so my fight next weekend is off” Matt Brown posted on Twitter Tuesday.
While a potential fight between Matt Brown and Bryan Barberena sounds very appetizing, unfortunately, fans will have to roll with the punches. As of this writing, the fight has been removed and it appears the most optimistic scenario would be if the UFC managed to pair “Bam Bam” with a short-notice opponent.
Matt Brown Off UFC Vegas 44
Prior to coming down with a case of COVID-19, Matt Brown saw mixed results in his last couple of UFC appearances. Despite being unable to pick up a win in 2020, Matt Brown showed resilience after dropping two contests back-to-back at the hands of Miguel Baeza and former interim welterweight titleholder, and now-retired Carlos Condit. Even in his later years in the UFC, Matt Brown is one of the most exciting UFC fighters on the roster. Brown is never in a boring fight, and is known for sharp clinch tactics and hellacious elbows.
Matt Brown recently got back in the win column in the UFC after he fought Dhiego Lima in June. While many thought the younger fighter would outwork the veteran, it turned out that Matt Brown is still packing the same power that saw him win many bonuses throughout his tenure. In the second round, “The Immortal” found a home for a damaging right-cross that sent Lima crashing to the canvas.
Now that Matt Brown has some steam, he will, unfortunately, be stuck healing from COVID-19. If the UFC intends to pair Bryan Barberena with anyone at the UFC Vegas 44 show, All Access MMA will keep you on the pulse. Additionally, don’t forget to check out our social media accounts for your latest breaking news.
Updated lineup for the UFC event on Dec. 4:
Rob Font vs. Jose Aldo
Brad Riddell vs. Rafael Fiziev
Jimmy Crute vs. Jamahal Hill
Manel Kape vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov
Jake Matthews vs. Jeremiah Wells
Chris Gruetzemacher vs. Claudio Puelles
Mallory Martin vs. Cheyanne Buys
Louis Smolka vs. Vince Morales
Clay Guida vs. Leonardo Santos
Alex Morono vs. Mickey Gall
Maki Pitolo vs. Dusko Todorovic
Philipe Lins vs. Azamat Murzakanov
William Knight vs. Alonzo Menifield
Brendan Allen vs. Chris Curtis
