MMA vs. coronavirus: Staying up to date on developments during the COVID-19 pandemic

We keep you updated on the latest MMA schedule plans amid unprecedented circumstances.

Monday, March 16

First ‘UFC London’ fight shifts to Cage Warriors 113

There will be at least one UFC London fight on the card at Cage Warriors 113 this Friday as the middleweight bout between Wales’ [autotag]John Phillips[/autotag] and Serbia’s [autotag]Dusko Todorovic[/autotag] has shifted.

Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan previously revealed to MMA Junkie that he was in discussions with relevant parties to try to save some of the UFC fights that had effectively been scrapped following the enforced postponement Saturday’s event.

So much for Burns vs. Woodley

[autotag]Gilbert Burns[/autotag], after expressing optimism he could headline Saturday against [autotag]Tyron Woodley[/autotag], says that fight isn’t happening.

Man 🤦🏾‍♂️ Shame on this former champ he said He is on killer mode! No you’re not you don’t want no smoke! I will see u soon @TWooodley thanks @danawhite @seanshelby and my manager @AliAbdelaziz00 to try to make this fight! I’m always available to fight but this guys talk to much 🤷🏾‍♂️

Progress slows for Saturday show

If you asked me yesterday, I would’ve said there was a 50-50 chance of Saturday’s UFC card still happening. Now I’m not so sure. From what I’m hearing, things are much less promising, and it sounds like this event will be even tougher to swing than expected.

Regarding the potential Tyron Woodley vs. Colby Covington fight: It’s really coming down to negotiations between Covington and the UFC. It’s not that the UFC is against the matchup. It’s more about what are the promotion is willing to pay to make it happen. Covington might have some leverage given the circumstances – but how much?

Numerous other on-card, off-card, on-roster, and off-roster fighters have been contacted about specific potential matchups. However, negotiations have seemingly slowed over the past 12 hours. Lack of location still seems to be the major issue here. Will that change? We shall see. But remember, fighters usually leave the Tuesday of a fight week. That means tomorrow.

Time is ticking.

– Nolan King

Second ‘UFC London’ fight shifts to Cage Warriors 113

[autotag]Bartosz Fabinski[/autotag] and [autotag]Darren Stewart[/autotag], originally set to face different opponents at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 29 event in London, now will fight each other Friday at Cage Warriors 113. Promotion president Graham Boylan announced the news to MMA Fighting.

UFC postpones next three events

In a letter to UFC employees obtained by MMA Junkie, Dana White announces that the next three events – UFC on ESPN+ 29 (Saturday), UFC on ESPN 8 (March 28), and UFC on ESPN+ 30 (April 11) – are all postponed. White indicated that UFC 249, headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson, is still scheduled but said the promotion is looking for a new location.