MMA Fighting confirmed with sources with knowledge of the change that Stamann (19-3-1) will now fight Askar Askar (11-1) in a bantamweight bout at UFC Vegas 18 on Saturday, following the withdrawal of Stamann’s originally scheduled opponent Andre Ewell due to Ewell testing positive for COVID-19.
The new matchup was first reported by Bloody Canvas.
According to a statement from Ewell’s manager Matt Dodge, the fighter has since tested negative in back-to-back tests, but has to quarantine for 10 days in accordance with UFC health and safety protocol. That time frame forced his removal from Saturday’s card.
“Andre is healthy and has not shown any symptoms at all,” Dodge told MMA Fighting. “He plans to compete as soon as possible following this unfortunate situation.”
Stamann fights for the first time this year following a 2020 campaign in which he went 1-1. He defeated Brian Kelleher by decision in a featherweight bout in June and then fought again at 145 pounds five weeks later, losing a decision to Jimmie Rivera. Stamann is 5-2-1 in the UFC.
Askar, 26, makes his UFC debut coming off of a decision win over Kevin Wirth at LFA 92 in October. He won his first 10 pro bouts since beginning his pro career in 2015, winning five by knockout.
UFC Vegas 18 is headlined by a heavyweight bout between Alistair Overeem and Alexander Volkov.
See the updated card below (bout order to be determined):
Alistair Overeem vs. Alexander Volkov
Cory Sandhagen vs. Frankie Edgar
Marion Reneau vs. Macy Chiasson
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Manel Kape
Cody Stamann vs. Askar Askar
Diego Ferreira vs. Beneil Dariush
Michael Johnson vs. Clay Guida
Mike Rodriguez vs. Danilo Marques
Timur Valiev vs. Martin Day
Devonte Smith vs. Justin Jaynes
Molly McCann vs. Lara Procopio
Seung Woo Choi vs. Youssef Zalal
Karol Rosa vs. Joselyne Edwards
Ode Osbourne vs. Denys Bondar
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