location of ufc columbus is changed to Las Vegas. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC
Ultimate was forced to take preventive measures so that another card does not have to be held behind closed doors. After the impossibility of carrying out the UFC Brasilia (on March 14) with an audience present, yet another show was at risk of suffering from the same situation due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Thus, under the prohibition of the governor of Ohio (USA), Mike DeWine, to allow promotions of shows with spectators, the Ultimate board chose to change the location of the ufc columbus to Las Vegas. The information was released by 'Combate'.
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“In the coming days, we will be signing an order regarding mass gatherings in the State of Ohio. I want to reiterate what experts have told us, that there is risk in any type of mass gathering. The larger the meeting, the greater the risk. The closer you are to people, the greater the risk,” said the governor.
The measure follows the line of thought of the governor of the Federal District, Ibaneis Rocha, who forbade holding events with crowds of people at risk of spreading the disease. The action directly influenced the realization of the UFC Brasilia with open gates. The event, which takes place this Saturday, was put at risk of not happening, but, in a joint decision, the company chose to keep the card, but restrict access to fans. Only teams, members of the organization and the press will be able to watch the show at Ginásio Nilson Nelson.
The new location chosen to hold the ufc columbus, which should have its name changed to 'UFC Las Vegas' will be the space where the recordings of 'Dana White's Contender Series' are held, a reality show dedicated to finding new talent for Ultimate.
The main fight of the show on March 28th will mark the long-awaited meeting between Francis Ngannou e Jairzinho Rozenstruik. In addition to the heavyweights, the Brazilians Raoni barcelos e Raphael Assunção * are scheduled for the card.
* Raphael's rival, cody garbrandt, was removed from the event after being hospitalized with kidney problems. The Brazilian was not removed from the show, however, he remains without an opponent.
Coronavirus and its influence on sport
Due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19, some organizations have taken drastic measures to prevent the increase in cases. The Italian football championship, held in the country with the most cases of the disease – after China – was suspended indefinitely until the situation is regularized and games can take place normally.
The NBA (National Basketball Association), played in the United States, also took the action of interrupting its season due to illnesses.
In the Champions League, one of the most traditional football tournaments in the world, four games were played behind closed doors in the last round. This was done to avoid the accumulation of people in the same space.
Just like in Europe, in the Copa Libertadores da América, the games were suspended. On the afternoon of this Thursday (12), Conmembol (South American Football Confederation), responsible for controlling football in South America, decided to interrupt the championship rounds from next week.
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