Conor McGregor, Jon Jones issue statements on coronavirus awareness
Two of the world’s most popular UFC fighters, Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, are using their platform to speak about coronavirus and generate awareness.
As various countries and regions attempt to fight off the global pandemic, the general consensus is that staying at home and minimizing interactions with other people is a crucial element in limiting the spread of COVID-19.
McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC), the former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion who is the face of MMA in his native Ireland, is a proud representative of his country. “The Notorious” took to social media Saturday and issued a statement about the importance of following medical recommendations, even when it appears on the surface that the situation is improving (via Instagram):
Quick reminder to stay vigilant with our quarantine efforts, team Ireland!
We have seen a drop over the last 3 days in numbers of infected. From 191 cases on Thursday, March 19th (Our heaviest day to date) to a slight decrease of 126 the following day, Friday March 20th. To now today, Saturday March 21th, a total number of 102 new cases.
These are encouraging drops each day buy we are still above 100 a day.
With today being Saturday and the peak of our weekend, plus the fact we have received lower numbers each day, we will all feel tempted to get out and back to living our normal lives again. But now is the time we must remain most vigilant! Remain most vigilant and put this fully to bed. Otherwise we run the risk of going around in circles with these numbers until they hit a spike we then can’t contain.
Stay tight Ireland! We will do this! Together in unity!
God speed to everyone around the world fighting this virus. We fight it side by side!Team work makes the dream work, God bless!
Jones, the reigning UFC light heavyweight titleholder, provided a bit of a difference stance from across the pond in the United States. “Bones” lives in Albuquerque, N.M., and trains out of one of the biggest gyms in the world at Jackson-Wink MMA, which has been forced to adapt in these unique times.
Although Jones didn’t delve into the stats and minutiae the same way McGregor did, he preached the importance of mental health. Self-quarantining is proving to be a stressful for those dealing with anxiety, depression and other issues, and Jones’ message was pinpointed at those people (via Instagram):
“Just reaching out to let you all know that I love you very much. Hope you guys are keeping your head held high. You owe it to yourself. This world can be a very difficult place, and sometimes it’s going to present us with some very hard fights. But we owe it to ourselves to have faith, to be positive and remember that attitude is everything. Mentality, mindset it everything. No one is going to feel sorry for us at a time like this. We owe it to ourselves to not feel sorry for ourselves and do everything we can every day to smile, to do our part. And right now our part is to stay home, stay happy, stay positive. Keep a positive mindset, keep a positive outlook, and I promise you, we will get through this thing.”
Neither McGregor nor Jones are currently scheduled to fight, but both men have already netted wins this year. McGregor returned to action at UFC 246 in January and scored a quick TKO of Donald Cerrone, while Jones defended his 205-pound belt in a hotly-contested decision over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February.
It remains to be seen when they will get back to action. The coronavirus crisis has already caused the UFC to postpone three events, and it’s possible more could be on the way depending on how the situation worsens or improves in the coming weeks.
Conor McGregor, Jon Jones issue statements on coronavirus awareness
