D. White at a press conference for Ultimate. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
Ultimate did not follow the guidelines adopted by other sporting entities as a measure to prevent the coronavirus pandemic and continues with its cards confirmed in its official grid. With the card scheduled for this Saturday, the organization's president, Dana White, admitted that this Saturday's show (21), which would be held in England, should have its location changed, but is not at risk of being cancelled. The information was given in an interview with 'Sports Center'.
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“Now, fights can take place in Las Vegas (in the space designated to host the 'Dana White's Contender Series' presentations). We are working to find new spaces, but the struggles will continue. We won't stop. We will find a way to carry out the fights. I've been involved in the fight business for over 20 years, so these things happen to me every weekend. So I'm used to it, of course not at that level. That’s what we do,” White said.
The president was then asked about the holding of the UFC London, which is scheduled to take place this weekend. The card would, until now, be headed by Leon edwards and the former welterweight champion (up to 77kg.), Tyron woodley. According to the 'big boss', the country's preventive measures forced him to think of a 'plan B' to hold the event.
“Things are changing hourly. They (government) announced new restrictions on travel to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), so the fight obviously cannot take place in London, but the fight will happen. We are looking for a new space in the United States. I have my employees literally working right now to make the card. I can assure you that the main fight will happen”, concluded the agent.
Dana's last statement contradicts a statement released by Leon edwards, who, last Sunday (15), stated that he does not intend to compete in this weekend's fight. The Englishman confirmed that he intends to follow the safety plans to avoid any possibility of contagion from COVID-19.
After Leon's announcement, the Brazilian Gilbert Durinho expressed the desire to replace English in the main fight of this Saturday's card. The Niteroi native played last weekend in the victory over Demian Maia on the card in Brasilia.
Dana White says the UFC fights will continue.
“We're not stopping. We will keep finding a way to put on the fights.” pic.twitter.com/7ixxpFjTSz
- SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 15, 2020
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