The UFC has pulled me from my fight due to one of my cornerman testing positive for COVID-19. We did everything possible to make this fight happen. They tested me twice and both results came back negative. I also… https://t.co/M89T1XOh7S
— SteamRolla_Frevola (@MattFre16) June 18, 2020
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is treading a very fine line when it comes to the coronavirus.
On Thursday morning, Matt Frevola posted on social media that he has been pulled by the UFC from his match against Frank Camacho at UFC on ESPN 11. The two were set to square off on the prelims on June 20, but Frevola’s corner and fellow UFC fighter Billy Quarantillo tested positive for COVID-19. Sources have informed Sherdog that Justin Jaynes is being tapped as a replacement for Camacho, and Jaynes will have to clear medicals first.
Although Frevola himself did not get flagged for the virus, and in fact tested negative on two separate occasions, “The Steamrolla” did disclose his positive antibody test from April 30 to prove he once had the virus but has gotten past it. Concerned for the safety of those involved, the promotion elected to pull Frevola from the matchup instead of risking it. Meanwhile, Quarantillo competed on May 30 against Spike Carlyle, winning a decision while not testing positive during fight week.
Frevola (8-1-1) was looking to make it three straight after rattling off decision wins over Jalin Turner and Luis Pena in 2019. The New Yorker by way of Florida burst onto the major stage with a second round submission over Jose Flores on the first season of Dana White's Contender Series. Headlining that card, Frevola earned a coveted UFC contract in victory.
The always exciting Camacho (22-8) is looking to rebound from a submission loss at the hands of Beneil Dariush at UFC Fight Night 162 in October. The Northern Mariana Islands resident has seen a tumultuous UFC tenure to date, although each of his first three bouts earned “The Crank” a “Fight of the Night” bonus. By engaging in three FOTN battles to start off his UFC career, at the time he was the second fighter in promotional history to achieve this feat. The first was Yoshihiro Akiyama, and Justin Gaethje pulled this off a few months later.
Should Jaynes (15-4) clear medicals and step in for Frevola, he will do so on the heels of a four-fight win streak including three first-round finishes in the Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting organization. The Las Vegas native posts a finish rate of 80 percent, with one additional win by disqualification after opponent Abdul Sami Fayzi grabbed the fence on numerous occasions. No fighter has been able to finish the one-time Bellator MMA competitor, with all four defeats for "Guitar Hero" coming on the scorecards.
Frevola’s full statement on Instagram reads as follows:
”The UFC has pulled me from my fight due to one of my cornerman testing positive for COVID-19. We did everything possible to make this fight happen. They tested me twice and both results came back negative. I also provided proof of my positive antibodies test from April 30th but the UFC did not want any liability or to risk it. Being that there is a lack of knowledge on the incubation period and still so many unknowns regarding covid 19, they decided to pull me bc of the positive test result from my teammate and brother, Billy Q. He’s been a huge help and source of support throughout camp and I have no hard feelings. He is 100% healthy at the moment and feels fine, so he must be a symptomatic.
“This is a Crazy situation and everything happens for a reason. I am on weight and prepared to the fullest. I was really excited for this fight with Frank and told him if they find him a new opponent for Saturday I will be rooting for him. If not, I’m willing to rebook this fight ASAP or when ever he wants. I’m sorry to everyone who was excited to watch me fight and supports me along this journey, I really felt the love . Can’t believe I’m the first fighter to get 2 fights canceled due to this virus (without even having it) but I know it has effected a lot more lives in worse ways. Figuring out the next move from here and will keep moving forward, that’s what we do! Should be booked to fight again ASAP and hope the UFC continues to take care of me.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Matt Frevola (@steamrollafrevola_mma) on