Francis Ngannou

By FCF Staff

As the UFC continues to work on holding an event on April 18th, Francis Ngannou is reporting that the promotion had him tested for the coronavirus.

Ngannou was booked to fight fellow, heavyweight contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik this Saturday at UFC Columbus. But, due to restrictions on public gatherings, as a result of the coronavirus, the event was postponed. Cards originally scheduled for March 21st and April 11th were also postponed.

UFC President Dana White has said that the promotion hopes to hold all the postponed bouts on upcoming cards, and he’s also insisted the UFC will find a way to hold an April 18th event. White hasn’t said, however, whether fighters will be tested for the coronavirus.

While speaking to Submission Radio recently, however, Ngannou reported the following (quote via MMA Fighting).

“I got tested,” Ngannou said. “They got me tested for COVID-19. I guess they tested all the fighters, too, which is kind of like a positive thing. Make you feel a little bit safe to get along with those people.”

Ngannou also said that he believes his bout with Rozenstruik could be part of the April 18th, UFC 249 card.

“There’s a chance that I can be fighting on that card,” Ngannou said. “But you know they have to settle everything down. For now, it seems like they have a location but they still have to double check and see how they can handle this event safely for people. Because first of all, they’re not just expecting to put people there fighting. They’re also trying to make things to care about our health.”

UFC 249 was originally scheduled to take place in Brooklyn, New York. But, due to a temporary ban on public gatherings, the event will be moved.