Pros React To UFC’s Decision To Postpone Events
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
As many expected, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) finally caved, hitting the pause button on its upcoming events to help prevent further spread of the coronavirus. According to Dana White, the decision came after President Trump suggested that we avoid gatherings of 10 or more people to flatten the infected curve.
As it stands, the only events affected by the decision at the moment are UFC Fight Night 170 (March 21), UFC on ESPN 8 (March 28) and UFC Fight Night 172 (April 11). White, though, says those three events and scheduled bouts will still go on at later dates. But when it comes to UFC 249 — which is scheduled to go down on April 18, 2020, featuring a lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson — that fight is still on for April 18.
After news of UFC’s decision to postpone its upcoming schedule for the foreseeable future spread, fighters and members of the mixed martial arts (MMA) community took to social media to offer up their reactions.
lot of people with the “I told you so” comments happy the ufc shows got canceled but what you don’t realize is that the fighters can’t get paid and other than fighting most guys work as trainers in gyms (also closed) so best believe if I get a call to fight on an island I will
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 16, 2020
Managers and fighters I’ve spoken to don’t expect to be paid for the postponed UFC events, but they’re waiting for official word.
— Steven Marrocco (@MMAFightingSM) March 16, 2020
Most NBA, NFL, MLB athletes should be fine for the foreseeable future with this work stoppage, but not the vast majority of MMA fighters. I really feel for them. They don’t get paid if they don’t fight. And they don’t make a ton to begin with.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 16, 2020
Honestly, at this point guys who need to make ends meet should start livestreaming sparring sessions on youtube. I honestly think the hardcores will take whatever they can get. And if nothing else it keeps the spirit of MMA alive kinda . #MMA #UFC
— Louis Smolka (@LASTSAMURAIUFC) March 16, 2020
More babies will come and more will be named “Cub” #CoronaVirusBrightSide
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) March 16, 2020
@arielhelwani have any other promotions PAID their fighters and staff and then sent them HOME to stay safe or is it just @BellatorMMA ? Asking for a couple hundred fighters right now https://t.co/BsZuQW4gkR
— Leslie Smith (@LeslieSmith_GF) March 16, 2020
Tyron Woodley on Instagram Live: “I was still ready to fight, Colby, RDA. The Burns fight didn’t make a lot of sense for me… But I texted Dana and said “let’s do it!”
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 16, 2020
LOOKS LIKE MY TRIP IS COMING TO AN EARLY END. UFC IS TRYING TO GET ME BACK HOME BEFORE THE TRAVEL BAN IS IN EFFECT
— Randa Markos (@randamma) March 16, 2020
I’m sorry to hear of the recent postponement of the next three UFC events, including my fight on March 28. I look forward to working with the @ufc and @danawhite on a replacement date and location. Until then, everyone stay safe as best they can. Hope to see you soon. pic.twitter.com/LAIurybFBI
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 17, 2020
During this time with schools and jobs closing up temporarily, I suggest we all get outside and be active. Post a video of you doing something active outside and tag 3 friends as a challenge for them to do the same.… https://t.co/I5WJUp9qwS
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) March 17, 2020
As always, keep it locked in to MMAmania.com for further updates regarding UFC’s future plans.
https://www.mmamania.com/2020/3/16/21182630/ufc-pros-react-decision-postpone-upcoming-events-indefinitely-coronavirus-mma
