The NBA, NHL, MLS and numerous European soccer leagues have all postponed their seasons to combat the spread of coronavirus and protect athletes and fans, but the UFC is going forward with a Fight Night card in Brazil on Saturday, which will be held in an empty arena.
Kevin Lee (18-5) and Charles Oliveira (28-8, 1 NC) will headline the UFC on ESPN+ event, which has been moved up from its original start time. UFC president Dana White announced on the eve of the event that UFC Brasilia preliminary fights will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the main card to follow on ESPN+
If you don’t know, now you know. #UFCBrasilia prelims are LIVE TOMORROW at 3pm ET simulcast on @espn and @espn+ pic.twitter.com/BOYV31dJlt
— Dana White (@danawhite) March 13, 2020
During an appearance on ESPN on Thursday, White said that next weekend’s UFC event in London is also scheduled to proceed, and that the UFC card that was scheduled to be held in Columbus, Ohio, on March 28th will be moved to Las Vegas.
“We’re going to make sure that two healthy athletes are competing, and these guys are good to go…. Instead of panicking, we’re actually getting out there and working with doctors and health officials and the government to figure out how we keep the sport safe and how we continue to put on events.”
Dana White says he spoke with President Trump and Vice President Pence and they advised him to move forward with events "They're saying be cautious, be careful but live your life and quit panicking" pic.twitter.com/LtUEGyo9jr
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 13, 2020
Here is the main card for Saturday’s show:
- Lightweight: Francisco Trinaldo (24-7) vs. John Makdessi (17-6)
- Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker (17-4) vs. Nikita Krylov (25-7)
- Lightweight: Renato Moicano (13-3-1) vs. Damir Hadzovic (13-5)
- Welterweight: Demian Maia (28-9) vs. Gilbert Burns (17-3)
- Lightweight: Kevin Lee (18-5) vs. Charles Oliveira (28-8, 1 NC)
[vertical-gallery id=900842]
[jwplayer uvJhnlLo-q2aasYxh]