Jamie Pickett-Laureano Staropoli Pulled from UFC Fight Night 194 After Positive COVID Test

A middleweight bout between Jamie Pickett and Laureano Staropoli that was slated for UFC Fight Night 194 has been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols.

Pickett confirmed that one of his coaches tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the contest will be rescheduled for the UFC’s Oct. 23 event. AgFight first brought word of Pickett’s withdrawal.

“Fight has been canceled and I’m stuck in Vegas,” Pickett wrote on his Instagram story. One of my coaches test positive for COVID and now we have to stay here for 10 days. I’m pissed the f—-k off but everything is everything. I’ll get through this somehow.”

UFC Fight Night 194 currently has 10 bouts, including a strawweight headliner pitting Marina Rodriguez against Mackenzie Dern. The card takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and airs on ESPN+.

A two-time competitor on Dana White’s Contender Series, Pickett is still looking for his first Octagon triumph after falling to Tafon Nchukwi and Jordan Wright in his first two UFC bouts.

Argentina’s Staropoli is currently on a three-bout skid, including a decision loss to Roman Dolidze in his most recent outing at UFC Fight Night 189.