Fans won’t be attending every UFC event in the short term future, but the MMA promotion will continue to holds events, despite the coronavirus epidemic.

White releases a video statement

In the last few days, more and more governments are temporarily banning large gatherings in their respective jurisdictions. As a result, leagues like the NHL and NBA have suspended their seasons.

On Thursday, it was reported that UFC Brasilia on Saturday will be closed to the public, since large public gatherings are temporarily banned in the city. More recently, White shared out the video statement below, in which he announced some UFC events in the coming weeks will take place behind closed doors.

Appearance on ESPN

In a recent appearance on ESPN, White also had this to say about the situation (quote via MMA Junkie):

“We always go overboard. In the over 25 years the UFC has been around, there has never been a death or serious injury in the UFC,” White said. “Think about that. Think about our sport … you know why? Because we always go overboard with health and safety, and that’s what I’m going to do here.”

In addition, recently the UFC released the following statement, regarding its upcoming cards in Columbus and Portland.

UFC Fight Night: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at Nationwide Arena, in Columbus, Ohio, will be relocated following the State of Ohio’s ban on large gatherings of 100 or more. In addition, UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, will be relocated following the State of Oregon’s ban on large public gatherings of 250 or more. These events will now take place in UFC APEX in Las Vegas on the same dates, Saturday, March 28, and Saturday, April 11, respectively. Both events will proceed with only essential personnel in attendance and without spectators. UFC is working directly with Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett on implementing a process to screen the competing athletes for the coronavirus to ensure their health and safety. These events are scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN’s platforms here in the U.S., and by UFC’s media partners around the world.

We know many of our fans in Ohio and Oregon are disappointed, as are we. Ticket holders may seek a full refund at the point of purchase. We look forward to returning to Columbus and Portland at the earliest opportunity.

 

Mentioned in this article:

More About: