Report: Marcos Rogerio de Lima tests positive for COVID-19, Alexander Romanov fight scratched from UFC Vegas 9

Things keep getting worse for tonight’s (Sat., Sept. 5, 2020) UFC Vegas 9 card as heavyweight veteran Marcos Rogerio de Lima has tested positive for COVID-19 and pulled from his “Prelims” bout with newcomer Alexander Romanov.

This is according to recent report by MMA Fighting.

Just within the past few hours there have been three changes to a UFC Vegas 9 event that was already gutted. Not only is Rogerio de Lima no longer on the card, but lightweight prospect Thiago Moises was also removed due to a positive COVID-19 test, and Brian Kelleher will fight newcomer Ray Rodriguez on a few hours notice following the removal of Kevin Natividad.

As of now, UFC Vegas 9 is expected to be headlined by a heavyweight clash between Alistair Overeem and Augusto Sakai. But given everything that has transpired over the past few hours fight fans wouldn’t be surprised to see another cancellation.

The card will proceed with just seven total bouts, setting up tonight to be one quick collection of fights.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Vegas 9 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the main card portion that also streams on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC Vegas 9: “Overeem vs. Sakai” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.