Count UFC president Dana White among the select few looking to keep things as normal as possible.
White told ESPN during an interview that they will shift around events, but keep them planned for the upcoming weeks as scheduled.
That includes this Saturday for a fight night event. The card was set for London, but with the travel restrictions, will be shifted.
Dana White says the UFC fights will continue.
“We’re not stopping. We will keep finding a way to put on the fights.” pic.twitter.com/7ixxpFjTSz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 15, 2020
White, though, was not sure where – or what the main event at this time will be as Leon Edwards pulled out of a planned bout with Tyron Woodley.
“The fights can’t happen here in Vegas, so we’re working to find new locations,” White said. “We’ll keep finding a way to put on the fights. I’m in the fight business – I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and this stuff happens to me every weekend, so I’m used to this stuff. Not at this level, obviously, but this is what we do. We always make sure the fights happen, and they’re going to continue to happen.”
The UFC also released a statement in regards to the planned London event.
“Due to rapidly changing circumstances in the U.K, including recently implemented travel restrictions, UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs Edwards, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at the O2 Arena in London, will be relocated,” the UFC wrote in a prepared statement. “The organization is looking at the available options, including in the United States. Additional details will be announced in coming days. O2 ticket holders may seek a full refund at the point of purchase. UFC looks forward to returning to London at the earliest opportunity.”
“The fans are all freakin’ out about that. Do not worry; Khabib versus Tony will happen.”@danawhite says only a “total shutdown of the country” would lead to fight cards like #UFC249 being canceled. (via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/pliGtv4wc1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 15, 2020
The Nevada Athletic Commission suspended all combat sports for the next several weeks this past weekend. The UFC was looking to move cards to Las Vegas, but that is now changing as well.
