Souza Releases Statement Following Positive COVID-19 Test

For the first time since testing positive for the coronavirus prior to UFC 249, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza has released a statement.

Souza (26-8, 1 NC) was supposed to face off against Uriah Hall in Jacksonville, Florida this past weekend. His bout was scrapped the night before fight night following the results of the test. On an Instagram post, Souza thanked those who supported him and hopes to have the fight with Hall rescheduled.

“I was very sad to not be able to fight at UFC 249, but I want you to know that, as soon as I’m medically cleared, I hope to reschedule my fight with Uriah Hall so that I can put on the show that everyone expects. I thank my corners for the partnership, my opponent for the words of support and the UFC for all the care.

“Thank you all for the kind messages I have received in the last few days. The upcoming weeks I will be secluded with my family and coaches and focused on our health so I can be back soon.
Thank you! “

View this post on Instagram

Fiquei muito triste por não poder lutar no UFC 249, mas quero que saibam que, assim que estiver liberado, espero remarcar minha luta com o Uriah Hall para que eu possa dar o show que todos esperam. Agradeço aos meus corners pela parceria, meu adversário pelas palavras de apoio e ao @ufc pelo cuidado. Obrigado a todos pelo carinho e pelas mensagens que tenho recebido nos últimos dias. Nas próximas semanas estarei recluso com minha família e treinadores e focado em nossa saúde para logo poder estar de volta. Muito obrigado! I was very sad to not be able to fight at UFC 249, but I want you to know that, as soon as I'm medically cleared, I hope to reschedule my fight with Uriah Hall so that I can put on the show that everyone expects. I thank my corners for the partnership, my opponent for the words of support and the UFC for all the care. Thank you all for the kind messages I have received in the last few days. The upcoming weeks I will be secluded with my family and coaches and focused on our health so I can be back soon. Thank you!

A post shared by Ronaldo “Jacaré” 🐊 Souza (@ronaldojacare) on May 13, 2020 at 3:06pm PDT

Coming into fight week, Souza was around family members who tested positive for the virus. He informed UFC brass, who told him to stay isolated before the fight. This was mandatory for all fighters. It was later shown that he was around people throughout the entire wait in the hotel, including Fabricio Werdum. After taking tests throughout the week, he tested positive after weigh-ins. Both Souza and Hall were reportedly paid for their scrapped bout.

Souza, a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion, is currently on a two-fight losing streak and is 2-3 in his last five fights. His last bout was a split decision loss at the hands of Jan Blachowicz in November.