Gerald Meerschaert Tests Positive for COVID-19, Bout vs. Ed Herman Canceled

The reeling UFC Fight Night 173 card has taken yet another hit just a few hours before the event.

Gerald Meerschaert revealed via social media that he tested positive for COVID-19 and his scheduled middleweight clash with Ed Herman has been scrapped. As a result, UFC Fight Night 173 will proceed with nine bouts.

Tested positive for Covid so fights off. Feel healthy and will do everything I can to keep it that way and keep those around me safe.

— Gerald Meerschaert (@The_Real_GM3) August 1, 2020

Meerschaert was slated to make his second appearance during the coronavirus pandemic after falling to Ian Heinisch via first-round TKO at UFC 250 on June 6. The 32-year-old Roufusport product has won just two of his last six Octagon appearances.

A finalist on Season 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Herman boasts a modest two-bout winning streak after earning victories over Patrick Cummins and Khadis Ibragimov in 2019.

UFC Fight Night 173 takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is headlined by a middleweight clash between Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan. The card streams in its entirety on ESPN+.