The UFC was the last sport to be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. Dana White is undertaking every possible effort to ensure that his promotion is the first to return. This is because he wants to set an example for the sporting world. Yet another mission is to restore normalcy throughout the globe.
However, the promotion seems to have conformed with a plethora of other sporting events and announced cancelations instead of postponements.
UFC Cancels 4 events
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Nevada based mixed martial arts promotion released updates on their website. The Fight Nights at Nebraska (April 25), Oklahoma City (May 2nd) San Diego (May 16th) and Sao Paulo’s UFC 250 are canceled.
The reasons range from prohibitions on public gatherings to the usage of the venues as hospitals. Both measures are undertaken to help combat the coronavirus. In each note, the UFC said it “looks forward to returning with an event in the near future.”
Upcoming UFC events are rumored to be held at the UFC Apex. However, Dana White is keeping mum on the same. This is because he does not want a repeat of UFC 249.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Nevada State is under a stay at home order until the end of the month. Fortunately for White, there is no official word on it being extended. He can hold the event in Florida as the state has categorized sports under essential businesses. As per the governor’s order, they can go ahead behind closed doors.
The UFC President even said Fight Island could be ready in a month. The one-month timeline will be up just a few days after the May 9th UFC event. Could that be the shock venue?
Henry Cejudo vs Jose Aldo was supposed to headline UFC 250. It was canceled as Aldo could not travel to the United States. As a result, Dominick Cruz replaced him. The fight is all set to feature at the May 9th event.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The status of another main event fights i.e. Fight Night 173’s Smith vs Teixeira is unknown. Both fighters maintain that they are available.
Will they feature at an event over the next month? Also, what will happen to the other fights on those 4 fight cards?