Deiveson 'passes' the COVID-19 test and travels to 'Ilha da Luta'

D. Figueiredo travels to Abu Dhabi, but has not yet been confirmed for this weekend's fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Good news for Brazilian fans. Challenger for the vacant UFC flyweight belt (up to 56,7kg.), Deiveson Figueiredo presented a counter-proof in his test for COVID-19 and was authorized to travel to Abu Dhabi, where he has a commitment against Joseph Benavidez this Saturday (18). The fight, however, can only be confirmed if the UAE's health barriers allow the 'God of War' to enter the venue and the combatant passes subsequent analyses, carried out by professionals hired by the UFC.

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Last week, the Brazilian's presence on this weekend's card was put at risk after the fighter tested positive for the disease. The test, however, proved that Figueiredo presented positive and negative antibodies (IgG and IgM), which confirm the fighter's immunity to the disease.

According to information from 'Combate', Deiveson will travel to the United Arab Emirates this Monday (13), but his presentation this Saturday will be conditioned on passing other tests that will be carried out on 'Ilha da Luta'. The man from Pará also took tests in São Paulo last week and is awaiting the release of the results.

In order not to be cut from the card, Figueiredo sought a diagnosis from an infectious disease specialist, who explained that the PCR test showed a positive result for coronavirus for a few weeks in some patients. The fact, according to the professional, does not imply that the infected person presents risks to third parties, as these are virus fragments that do not have the capacity to transmit contagion.

Even though he is authorized to proceed to Abu Dhabi, Deiveson remains at risk of being prevented from disembarking in the country. The location has stricter health policies and only allows entry to passengers whose PCR results are positive.

If Figueiredo is, in fact, prevented from fighting on the 18th, his compatriot Alexandre pantoja is confirmed as an immediate substitute for the dispute. The fighter from Arraial do Cabo (RJ), is currently fourth in the category ranking and has an appointment scheduled for the same date, against Askar askarov.