With the coronavirus outbreak one of the main industries suffering is the live events business. From sports to entertainment, many States are ordering that large gatherings be shut down forcing promoters to comply.
The UFC was the lone stubborn player in the game. UFC President Dana White strongly suggested all shows must go on. That was until every State began locking down event size and capacities.
In White’s home state of Nevada, the Athletic Commission is refusing new licenses for events during the coronavirus outbreak.
White was forced to throw in the towel and he sent an emailed letter to his legion of employees.
Dana’s Letter
My Crew,
This has been a crazy couple of weeks.
We’ve been doing everything possible to stick to our live events schedule because the fighters want to fight, our employees want to work, and the fans want to watch our sport.
So many people have reached out over the past few days to say thanks for not canceling our Brasilia event on Saturday. When weird things happen in the world, or when there’s a tragedy, like the October 1 shooting, people want things to get back to normal, and nothing feels more normal than watching sports.
We did everything we could to relocate our next three events– London, Columbus, and Portland. But every day, there are new restrictions put in place on travel and large public gatherings that are making it impossible to stay on schedule. We can’t even hold an event in Vegas, our home town, because there’s a ban on all combat sports events in Nevada until at least March 25.
As you heard me say, I’ve been in the fight game for 20 years, and this is what we do—we find a way to keep our events going no matter what. If fighters miss weight, if fighters get hurt, or if states won’t regulate us, we figure out a way. But this is different. The whole world is being affected right now, and nothing is more important than the health and safety of you and your families.
That’s why we are closing all UFC offices effective immediately, including HQ in Vegas, through at least March 31st, and asking all employees to work from home. The PI will also be closed to all personnel, including athletes, during this time. The next three events– London, Columbus, and Portland—will be postponed. UFC 249 is still scheduled as planned, but the location may change. We’ll keep you posted.
I tell you guys all the time, you are the BEST TO EVER DO IT. It feels shitty now, but WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS, and we’ll be TOUGHER, STRONGER, AND MORE BADASS than before.
Right now, the number one priority is to take care of yourselves and your family.
Finally, I want you to know that UFC has your back. If you or any member of your family is showing symptoms of coronavirus and you’re having trouble getting to a doctor, please reach out to me, Lawrence, or Hunter.
Thanks.
Dana
The New Cancel Culture
A bout between welterweights, Tyron Woodley vs. Leon Edwards was supposed to take place Saturday in London. It is now canceled.
The next few UFC fights were originally scheduled for Columbus, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon. The coronavirus outbreak caused those state governments to issue bans on large gatherings. Then both cards were moved to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
However, the Nevada Athletic Commission suspended combat sports events until March 25.