Dana White spent part of Friday afternoon fielding questions from members of the UFC roster.
According to sources, White took time to hear from his athletes in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic for approximately 25 minutes. After an initial statement, White opened up the floor for written questions. Here are some of the topics that were discussed:
Fighters don’t have to fight if they don’t feel safe
At numerous points throughout the call, White repeated a similar sentiment: If fighters don’t feel comfortable taking a fight during the pandemic, White said there is no pressure – it doesn’t matter the reason.
White’s participation in Trump’s coronavirus economic task force
White said his confidence events will be able to proceed partially stems from knowing non-public details from being part of Trump’s task force to reopen the economy.
Locations are secret
White was not willing to reveal any details concerning the location of the next UFC event – or his proposed “Fight Island.”
Meeting with Nevada’s governor
White said he’s not sure when fights in Nevada will return. However, he made it clear one of his top priorities is getting the UFC Performance Institute and UFC Apex back up and running. White said he’ll be meeting with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak to discuss options.
Fighters who had fights that were canceled will get first dibs
As a result of UFC events being canceled in London; Columbus, Ohio; Portland, Ore.; and Brooklyn, N.Y., White said the fighters who missed out will be offered fights first.
If anyone is struggling, please reach out
At one point in the call, White paused to ask if fighters and their families were all healthy. The response was overwhelmingly, ‘Healthy.’ White reiterated fighters should reach out if they are encountering issues in the midst of the pandemic.
Coronavirus catchweights? Probably not
White said while he’s considered allowing catchweight fights due to fighters’ limited resources, he doesn’t like the idea. Catchweight fights have less meaning, White said.
Lack of cornermen access could result in fighters making tough decisions
White said the number of people that will be allowed at the events is still fluid. The UFC likely will have to limit the amount of people on scene, so White said fighters will likely have to make tough decisions.
Other tidbits
- Americans may fight on “Fight Island.”
- “International Fight Week” in Las Vegas in July is doubtful.
- Medical staffs and hospitals will be readily available for every event.
- The goal is to have fights every Saturday starting May 9.
- UFC Trifecta meals from the UFC Performance Institute are on hold, but the issue will be fixed soon.
What was said during Friday's Dana White coronavirus pandemic call with UFC fighters
