First UFC fighter to test positive for COVID-19 comes forward

Image: MMA Junkie

Lyman Good, the first-ever Bellator welterweight champion and a current member of the UFC roster, admitted Monday that he tested positive for the coronavirus, the first member of the roster to publicly admit it.

In an interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, the 34-year-old said he has fully recovered, recently testing negative. He said his coach and girlfriend also tested positive for the virus, but both have made full recoveries as well.

He was scheduled to fight on the recently canceled UFC 249 card, but withdrew in early-April due to the virus. He is now working with the American Red Cross to donate blood so they can test how antibodies can help fight the virus.

The New York native said he woke up feeling weak one morning, but pushed through on a planned sparring day and things declined from there. He developed a cough and had some breathing issues, but did not need hospitalization.

Good wants to resume training and get on an upcoming UFC card, but needs a full training camp to help his lungs recover to 100%.

The UFC is pushing ahead with a pay-per-view card on Saturday, May 9th, in a yet-to-be disclosed location.