Coach ‘Parrumpinha’ tested positive for COVID-19 prior to UFC on ESPN 12, could miss ‘Fight Island’

American Top Team jiu-jitsu coach Marcos “Parrumpinha” DaMatta might not be able to corner Amanda Ribas, Alexandre Pantoja and Arman Tsarukyan in Abu Dhabi.

“Parrumpinha” is quarantined in a hotel room in Las Vegas after testing positive for COVID-19 on June 25, just days before UFC on ESPN 12 show in Las Vegas. DaMatta confirmed the news to MMA Fighting following a report from Combate.

DaMatta was set to corner Luis Pena against Khama Worthy at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on June 27, but didn’t have contact with the fighter, therefore allowing "Violent Bob Ross" to go on and fight. Pena lost via third-round submission.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert told MMA Fighting on Tuesday he’s still unsure if he will test negative for the new coronavirus in time to travel to Yas Island. All United States-based fighters and corners will be sent to Las Vegas this week to get tested for coronavirus before hopping on a chartered flight to Abu Dhabi.

“As soon as the quarantine is over, I’ll do the test,” DaMatta told Combate. “If it comes back negative, and I’m authorized by the UFC doctor, I’m going to Abu Dhabi for Amanda Ribas’ and Pantoja’s fight.”

Ribas will fight Paige VanZant in a flyweight contest at UFC 251, pay-per-view show scheduled for July 11. Pantoja battles Russian flyweight Askar Askarov a week later, while Arman Tsarukyan meets Davi Ramos in a lightweight showdown.