Alexander Volkanovski vs Brian Ortega removed from UFC 260 due to COVID-19 protocols

A featherweight title fight between current UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski and No. 1 contender Brian Ortega has been removed from UFC 260’s card next weekend due to COVID-19 protocols.

The news was revealed during UFC Vegas 22’s broadcast earlier tonight on ESPN (results HERE). While few details were offered the broadcast team did say the issue is coming from Volkanovski’s camp, but that the featherweight title will be re-booked for a later event this year.

This obviously isn’t good news for either fighter. Volkanovski was looking to defend his UFC featherweight title for the second time after fighting Max Holloway in his last two fights. Ortega, who is coming off a masterful performance opposite Chan Sung Jung in Oct. 2020, will have to wait a little longer to get his second UFC title shot.

Despite the removal of Volkanovski vs. Ortega, UFC 260 is still going to feature the rematch between UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and knockout sensation Francis Ngannou. The main card with also feature notable stars such as former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley.

For more UFC 260 fight card news click here.