'About to explode': Fighter's fears amid call for virus help
Former UFC fighter turned glamour-girl Paige VanZant has opened up about a COVID-19 crisis at home, after her husband tested positive for the coronavirus.
VanZant’s husband Austin Vanderford was due to fight at Bellator 246 this weekend, but has since been ruled out in the wake of his positive test.
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The 26-year-old said she had been tested after Vanderford’s positive result, and it had returned negative - but in the days following, she had developed a fever and other symptoms commonly associated with the coronavirus.
“I have a bad cough, my head — I’ve taken like 12 Advil today because I have a migraine so bad I feel like my head is about to explode,” she said in a video posted online.
“My eyes hurt really bad.
“It totally makes sense for us to have it. I guess it’s just really confusing, this is why we’re asking your guys’ opinion.
“If we have any medical professionals that follow us and watch, one, did Austin have it the first time? Two, did he have it the second time? Three, did he have it the entire time because he has been sick this whole time and it has progressively gotten worse.
“And four, have I ever had it? Because I feel terrible and I feel really sick but I only test negative.”
Several fighters from the South Florida gym where the couple have been training have also reportedly tested positive for the virus.
UFC to return to ‘Fight Island’
The UFC is reportedly heading back to Abu Dhabi.
The promotion is planning to stage five events at the city’s Yas Island, better known as “Fight Island,” in the coming months, according to ESPN.
That will reportedly include UFC 253 on September 26 and UFC 254 on October 24.
A middleweight title fight between champion Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa will be the main event of UFC 253, while lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje will fight at UFC 254.
UFC had previously used Fight Island for four events in July, and it’s not hard to see why it’s going back.
With global travel still limited, Fight Island served as a hub for bouts between international fighters in a relatively safe environment.
Fighters and trainers were all tested and quarantined as they entered the bubble.
Dana White has spoken glowingly of the facilities, and his move to secure a private island for fights also captured widespread headlines for UFC at the time (as well some mockery and disbelief).
There aren’t so many snickers now, as UFC moves ahead with Fight Island as a signature part of its plans in the near future.
With Jack Baer - Yahoo Sports US
