UFC’s return hits some speed bumps
UFC President Dana White still wants “Fight Island.”
He’s temporarily settling for a peninsula — and had to call off a bout after a fighter tested positive for the coronavirus.
UFC 249 served as the first major sporting event to take place since the pandemic shut down much of the country nearly two months ago. The bouts Saturday night in Jacksonville, Fla. — the main event was broadcast on pay-per-view — was expected to draw a large viewing audience considering the sports-craved nation has seemingly grown tired of replays and video game events.
There’s nothing virtual about the reality of getting punched in the face.
“Right now there is no Olympics. There is no Wimbledon. There is no NBA drafts,” said lightweight contender Tony Ferguson, above. “There is no (expletive) tennis. There is no soccer, hockey. There is no baseball. This what we bring to the table man and we are going out there and do our best and we are going to keep sports alive.”
Ferguson (25-3) and fellow lightweight contender Justin Gaethje (21-2) headlined the mixed martial arts card behind closed doors at Veterans Memorial Arena.
“This is going to bring a sense of normalcy to people,” Gaethje said. “Proud to be a part of it, you know the opportunity to inspire.”
Jacare Souza, tested positive Friday. His middleweight bout against Uriah Hall was called off. Souza’s two cornermen also tested as positive, the UFC said in a statement.
“All three men have left the host hotel and will be self-isolating off premises, where UFC’s medical team will monitor their conditions remotely and will provide assistance with any necessary treatment,” the UFC said.
UFC 249 was originally scheduled for April 18 in Brooklyn, N.Y.