The UFC’s ambition of continuing to put on fights in spite of the coronavirus has come to an end.
Despite UFC president Dana White’s previous statement that the promotion would remain hosting fights until an entire government shut down, it seems the organisational problems in a world that’s becoming increasingly quarantined were too much to overcome.
UFC London, UFC Columbus and UFC Portland have all been postponed, with all three events unable to go ahead in their previously scheduled venues.
In a tweet from UFC research analyst Michael Carroll, Carroll revealed White had sent an email out to the company to say that while they had tried their best, the current pandemic made it impossible to put on events.
“This weekend’s UFC event, as well as 3/28 and 4/11, have been indefinitely postponed per an email from Dana White to all UFC employees,” Carroll wrote. “The UFC also offers support to any employee and/or family member who may require medical support in the coming weeks/months. Positive email tbh.
“Dana has praised the efforts of all employees for working so hard to constantly make it happen everywhere and every time. But, with the current state of affairs, it’s simply impossible.”
The UFC also offers support to any employee and/or family member who may require medical support in the coming weeks/months. Positive email tbh.
— Michael Carroll (@MJCflipdascript) March 16, 2020
Dana has praised the efforts of all employees for working so hard to constantly make it happen everywhere and every time. But, with the current state of affairs, it's simply impossible.
— Michael Carroll (@MJCflipdascript) March 16, 2020
The UFC had been looking into alternative options to continue putting on a show, but when the Nevada State Athletic Commission cancelled all licensing through to March 25, the UFC’s favoured option of holding fights in their Las Vegas ‘Apex’ facility was scuppered.
The main events fans have lost out on are Tyron Woodley vs. Leon Edwards, Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris respectively. The UFC are yet to postpone the much anticipated Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson bout, which remains scheduled for April 18.
Tony vs. Khabib is still scheduled for 4/18, just not in Brooklyn. https://t.co/JNAUO43992
— Michael Carroll (@MJCflipdascript) March 16, 2020
In the e-mail to UFC staff, which was obtained by MMAJunkie, White also pledged to assist anyone in the company who was struggling with medical issues.
“As you heard me say, I’ve been in the fight game for 20 years, and this is what we do—we find a way to keep our events going no matter what,” White wrote. “If fighters miss weight, if fighters get hurt, or if states won’t regulate us, we figure out a way. But this is different. The whole world is being affected right now, and nothing is more important than the health and safety of you and your families.
“That’s why we are closing all UFC offices effective immediately, including HQ in Vegas, through at least March 31st, and asking all employees to work from home. The PI will also be closed to all personnel, including athletes, during this time. The next three events– London, Columbus, and Portland—will be postponed. UFC 249 is still scheduled as planned, but the location may change. We’ll keep you posted.
“I tell you guys all the time, you are the BEST TO EVER DO IT. It feels shitty now, but WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS, and we’ll be TOUGHER, STRONGER, AND MORE BADASS than before,” White wrote. “Right now, the number one priority is to take care of yourselves and your family.
“Finally, I want you to know that UFC has your back. If you or any member of your family is showing symptoms of coronavirus and you’re having trouble getting to a doctor, please reach out to me, Lawrence, or Hunter.”
