Although UFC 249 didn’t ultimately end up happening, Lyman Good has revealed that when he withdrew from a April 18th bout with Belal Muhammad, it was because he was battling the coronavirus.

Good reveals he tested positive for COVID-19, discusses recovery

When it was first announced that Good was no longer going to fight Muhammad at UFC 249, it was reported his withdrawal was due to an injury. But, during a recent interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Good revealed he was forced out of the bout due to the coronavirus (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Although I said it was due to an injury, it was actually because I had tested positive for COVID-19,” Good said. “As soon as I found out, I let everybody know.

It was one of those things where it wasn’t sinking in that it could’ve been that. As fighters, we’re hardwired to train through everything.

If we catch a cold or little nagging injuries here or there, we’re trained to just pretty much fight through it.

At first I thought it was that. But there was just one day where it was bad. My body wasn’t listening, it wasn’t responding the way it normally does to sparring.”

And while discussing why they didn’t initially report he had contracted the coronavirus, Good said this.

“We didn’t wanna feed into the fear, the imminent fear that’s going on in society right now. There’s a pandemic, it is a real thing happening, but I didn’t wanna stoke the flames, so to speak, and influence the fear factor of other people.

I just want to let everyone know I’m much better now. At the end of the day, it was a risk that we were willing to take. As a fighter, I knew what the risks were. Unfortunately it is what it is. It happened.”

The 34-year-old also reported that his symptoms never got too bad and that thankfully, he never needed to be hospitalized. But, Good did decide to get tested for the virus.

“The major contributing factor to my decision (to get tested) was the safety of the people around me,” Good said. “When maybe I thought there was a possibility that I have it, I figured let me just make sure that I have it or not.

Also for the safety for my coaches – you know, my coach was showing up every morning to my training sessions – my teammates, my family, and everybody else. Really, what I held into account was the safety of others.”

“My real concern was really just my teammates, my coaches and anyone I was exposed to,” Good continued. “God forbid they get it, they spread it, and someone else gets sick really bad. I would feel responsible.”

Good also revealed in the interview that he’s been tested again for the virus and that he’s clear. The veteran fighter is also working with the Red Cross to donate his antibodies for the virus, in an effort to help others.

Good is looking to fight

Now that Good has recovered from COVID-19, he’s hoping to lock-up a bout as soon as possible.

“I want to get back on a card,” Good said. “I have unfinished business.

Like I said before, I’m a fighter through and through. I was out of commission for a little bit, but I’m ready to go back there.”

Of course, it remains to be seen when the UFC will get shows up-and running. Dana White has said the promotion is planning to hold a show on May 9th, but no location has been announced yet.

Good (21-5) is coming off a first round, stoppage win over Chance Rencountre in November.

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