LAS VEGAS – Dana White isn’t concerned with the recent influx in positive COVID-19 tests with UFC fighters.
Speaking at the Dana White’s Contender Series 32 post-fight news conference Tuesday, White said that unlike other sports, the UFC has the COVID-19 situation under control and continues to take the correct precautionary measures.
Observed cases have recently risen, such as at last weekend’s UFC on ESPN+ 34 card, which was brought down to just seven fights. After weighing in, both Thiago Moises and Marcos Rogerio De Lima tested positive for COVID-19, and their respective bouts were scratched from the card.
Brian Kelleher faced three opponent changes in the span of two weeks. Initially scheduled to face Ricky Simon, who was forced out due to his cornerman testing positive for COVID-19, newcomer Kevin Natvidad got the late call. But Natvidad was forced out just hours before the fight and replaced by backup Ray Rodriguez, who Kelleher submitted in Round 1.
But White said he is unfazed by the recent events and is looking to continue the protocols the UFC already has in place. He says there are still a lot of uncertainties surrounding the virus and that the UFC is doing everything they can to keep the shows rolling.
“Look at the history here,” White said. “Look at what we’ve done, look at how it’s all worked out. One of the things that we’re not doing that the other sports are doing is there’s people that keep testing positive, but they have no symptoms and they’re not contagious. They’re letting those guys play, if it’s in the NBA or Major League Baseball. We’re not. I mean that’s the difference.
“We just had a situation last week where they tested negative, negative, then tested positive, so this thing is just (expletive) wacky, and you do the best you can. We’re doing everything the right way, it’s just, who knows with this thing? Nobody’s got this whole thing figured out yet. We’ve been solid. Think about me, I’m in there, I shake their hands, I do all this other stuff, and I haven’t had COVID.
“I will shake people’s hands until the day I die.”
