M. Sassarito reports financial difficulties due to event cancellations. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @michelsassarito
In recent weeks, the most discussed topic around the world is the terror caused by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The disease that has already caused thousands of victims around the world is now beginning to affect MMA, which, as it is a contact sport with large crowds of people, was directly affected by the preventive measures adopted to avoid possible contagion of the disease. In this way, some athletes have suffered from the impossibility of working and continuing with their training routine. In a note released by 'Combate', Michel Sassarito and Dileno Lopes They talked about the situation they were experiencing.
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“I have friends who sponsor me with little, but it’s a big help. God is good, he has blessed me in this bad moment, but not fighting is very bad. It's worrying, because I live with my family, but at the same time, there's nothing I can do. The money I earn from sponsors is sometimes not enough”, said the Brazilian, who has been working as a security guard to earn extra income.
Athlete from Manaus (AM), Sassarito, aged 30, has been a professional in MMA since May 2009. With 30 fights on his record, the fighter has not acted since October last year, when he beat Khamzat Dalgiev at 'M-1 Challenge 105 '.
Old acquaintance of Brazilians, Dileno Lopes, who was once a UFC employee, is currently uncertain about when he will be able to return to work. The fighter, who participated in the fourth season of TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) Brazil, had a commitment scheduled for June, however, in a period of protection and the consequent cancellation of many sporting events, the Amazonian doesn't know if he will be able to fight.
“It’s difficult with this stoppage of MMA events due to the corona virus. Right now, I was already preparing for my next fight, in June. For us, who were in the training rhythm, it made us very sad. Even during gym training we had to respect the authorities’ rules. We had to split up during training to avoid contact with colleagues.”, said the Brazilian.
According to the bulletin released by the state health departments, this Monday morning (23), to date, Brazil has 1.620 confirmed cases of the disease. In total, there were 25 deaths, 22 in São Paulo and three in Rio de Janeiro.
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