Coronavirus: UFC, MMA fighters react to event changes and relocations
The MMA bubble, along with the rest of the sports community and the world at large, has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic over the past few days.
Despite essentially every sports entity postponing or canceling major events through this weekend and beyond, the UFC and Bellator have merely made the adjustment to put events behind closed doors or relocate them entirely. The fights will go on, though, with Bellator 241 set to take place Friday in Uncasville, Conn., and UFC on ESPN+ 28 scheduled to unfold Saturday in Brasilia, Brazil.
Although the situation has a far reach throughout the industry, the athlete are, naturally, the most heavily impacted by the decisions of MMA promoters. See what many in the sport, including the likes of UFC champion Jon Jones, think about how things are being handled.
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The gods really don’t want @TeamKhabib vs @TonyFergusonXT to happen
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) March 12, 2020
A lot of things going on in Brazil right now because of the virus outbreak but the fight is still on for tomorrow! Everything will be 2 hours earlier then planned and no fans are allowed at the venue but we are healthy and ready to go #UFCBrasilia #forthefans
this one for u
— Randa Markos (@randamma) March 13, 2020
FUCK Coronavirus
— Danny Roberts #HC (@DanHotChocolate) March 12, 2020
The Show goes on! I’m not F
https://t.co/o5QXLpQe6W
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) March 13, 2020
Same opponent same plan! New location
#ufc #ufcapex
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) March 13, 2020
Despite of #Covid19 the train keeps on rolling. Great evening session on the pads sharpening the blade with the one and only @coacheydstein
. And to those asking about UFCLondon: The event is still on and will be until it might not be. Please don… https://t.co/2bdNAGZY30 pic.twitter.com/nkRYqhXP1o
— Nicolas “Lokomotivo” Dalby (@DalbyMMA) March 12, 2020
They don’t even test for steroids in Brazil
https://t.co/ep2L4x3sUW
— Chito Vera (@chitoveraUFC) March 12, 2020
Fuck the corona virus can we raise blinker awareness.
— Jalin Turner (@JalinTurner) March 13, 2020
2020 has NOT been the year .. stay safe, take care of yourself & your loved ones
— Tracy Cortez (@TracyCortezmma) March 12, 2020
I only have threesomes that’s how my immunity is up.
The fight seems to be cancelled yet again so why not come join me on a coronaholiday in Puerto Rico? Hit me up KN & TF. We shall do #ChampShitOnly #YourMajestyTimehttps://t.co/RcJ3LyYSal
— Angela Magana (@AngelaMagana1) March 12, 2020
As if fighters aren’t emotionally, physically and financially stressed enough this close to a fight I can’t imagine what they are having to deal with mentally. Total and utter chaos and having to read constant opinions of others.Unless your opinion is fact at a time like this
— Leah McCourt (@leahmccourtmma) March 13, 2020
Coronavirus: UFC, MMA fighters react to event changes and relocations
