Mark Striegl hit by COVID-19, pulled off from supposed UFC debut

Mark Striegl has been sidelined due to COVID-19. One Championship (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Mark Striegl's Ultimate Fighting Championship debut will have to wait.

Striegl confirmed on Saturday that he was taken out of his supposed showdown on Sunday (Philippine Time) against Timur Valiev.

As it turned out, Striegl contracted COVID-19.

"I tested positive for CV19 and my August 22 (Aug. 23, Philippine Time) UFC fight is cancelled," he said in a statement.

According to Striegl, he only has mild symptoms and is expected to recover soon.

It was a tough setback for the current URCC featherweight champion, who flew to Las Vegas on a short notice in anticipation of his UFC debut.

In spite of it, Striegl remains optimistic.

"I'm looking forward to bouncing back!" he interjected.

Trevin Jones stepped up on a short notice to face Valiev, who his making his own UFC debut, in a catchweight showdown.

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