“The Rock” Tells UFC Fighters There’s a “Silver Lining” to Coronavirus Shutdown

These are extremely hard times for millions of people around the world, including many MMA and UFC fighters, due to the pandemic. So, recently combat sports fan Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had some uplifting words for UFC athletes and other fighters.

Johnson says there’s a “silver lining”

As it stands right now, it’s not clear when the UFC and other major promotions will resume holding cards. UFC President Dana White has said he’s hopeful the promotion will be able to hold some events soon, but it remains to be seen if that happens.

Well, during a recent Instagram Live session, heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou hopped on and relayed he’s a fan of “The Rock”. That prompted the moving and pro-wrestling star to say this (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I’ve been following your career, Francis, so thank you for saying that, saying that I was your inspiration,” he said.

“I wish you nothing but the best. I hear really cool things about you, and I look forward to seeing you and seeing you fight again.”

“To all the fighters in the UFC, MMA, and around the world – specifically the UFC because I’ve been really following them closely, Dana White and I are very good buddies – I feel for you guys not being able to fight.

But soon enough, there’s a silver lining in this.

“Maybe it’s your training, maybe it’s your mental capacity that you could expand right now as you guys aren’t allowed in the cage as you’ve been shut down, but there is some silver lining in all of this and I hope you guys find it.

Because when you come back, the velocity in which you guys come back, I expect to see some dynamite fights when you come back in the cage and I can’t wait.

The moment I can be there, I’m going to be there cage side.”

“The Rock” at UFC 244

Johnson is indeed a big fan of MMA. At UFC 244 last November, “The Rock” was in attendance to award Jorge Masvidal the “BMF” title, following his win over Nate Diaz.