Fighters react to the cancellation of UFC 249

T. Ferguson speaks out about canceling the UFC 249. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tonyfergusonxt

the cancellation of UFC 249, made official by Dana White last Thursday night (9), generated a wave of feelings among sports fans and athletes. With the suspension of the company's activities for an indefinite period, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, several fighters expressed their opinions in different ways. There were those who joked, rebelled and resigned themselves to the unprecedented situation experienced by one of the largest MMA organizations in the world.

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Tony Ferguson, one of the protagonists of the UFC 249, said in a good tone that the stoppage will not change his preparation routine. According to the main challenger for the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg), the decision to postpone the show does not change its focus.

“Well, I'll keep training. (…) I will continue collecting trophies and playing my role. Whenever I wake up in the morning, when I do my work, pray and do my things, I hug my son, kiss my wife and go to work. What am I going to do?”, commented 'Bicho Papão' in an interview with 'OC Register'.

Responsible for performing in the co-main fight of the April 18th event, Jéssica 'Bate-Estaca' did not let herself be affected by the cancellation of her fight. The former strawweight champion (up to 52,1kg.), who was without an opponent, as Rose namajunas had decided not to perform at the event due to grief, he published an image buying a snack, joking about the end of his diet.

"(UFC 249) Canceled. All good. Let McDonalds come”, published the Brazilian.

@ufc Cancelled! 😭 Ok, come on or @McDonalds 😋😋😋😉😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ahK8yX84ZN

- Jessica Andrade UFC (@jessicammapro) April 10, 2020

The Brazilian Gilbert Durinho, who has been known for always being willing to accept a fight at the last minute, used the opportunity to congratulate Dana for her efforts in trying to promote the show in a difficult time. The athlete commented on the case on his Twitter account

“My congratulations to Dana White, Sean Shelby and everyone who worked hard to make this happen. I can’t wait to go to the island and fight”, wrote the welterweight, referring to the Ultimate location and the private space the organization is building to host presentations amid the pandemic.

Huge shoutout to that @danawhite @seanshelby #Hunter @ufc and everyone that was working hard trying to make it happen! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 can't wait to go to the Island 🌴 and fight! #Staysafe #Corona

- GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) April 9, 2020

Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg.), brian kelleher, preferred to use good humor to deal with the situation. The fighter used the situation to state that, now, he will be able to break his diet during training periods.

“To all fighters: it’s time to eat”, published the North American.

All fighters: time to fuckin eat 🍩

— brian kelleher (@brianboom135) April 9, 2020

the canadian Gillian robertson, who would have a commitment scheduled against the Brazilian Taila Santos, at UFC Saskatoon, used a meme to represent his feelings regarding the stoppage of Ultimate activities.

“The look when you find out about the postponement of UFC 249”, wrote the Canadian.

That look when you find out #UFC249 is postponed 😪😪😪 pic.twitter.com/b3OsITi1MI

— Gillian robertson (@savage_ufc) April 9, 2020

Opponent of Vincent Luque on next week's card, Niko Price also preferred a meme to express himself on 'Twitter'.

pic.twitter.com/V2Zy8Oen4H

— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) April 9, 2020

The welterweight, Max griffin, was one of the most calm when talking about the UFC's decision. The athlete regretted the case, but stated that the situation in the world calls for preventive measures from everyone.

"The UFC 249 It was cancelled, but I'm not mad about it. It’s probably the best for everyone”, wrote the American.

UFC 249 Has been cancelled. I'm not mad at it 🤷🏽‍♂️. It's probably best for everyone and @danawhite said they will come do a show at @Tachipalace 😝🔥. # ufc249 #fightisland https://t.co/ztAjIFpP6q

— Max griffin (@MaxPainGriffin) April 9, 2020

Candidate for the bantamweight title (up to 61,2kg.), aljamain sterling also remained calm regarding the strike. The athlete said that the best thing to do is to wait until the pandemic situation is reduced so that the shows can take place safely and calmly.

“I'm sad for the fighters and fans, who were hoping this (the card) would happen. But it might be better to give the virus more time to go away. It's difficult for some fighters who were scheduled to fight. We want to make money, but we want to protect our families too,” he wrote.

Sad for the fighters and fans who got their hopes up for this. But maybe it's best to give this virus more time to blow over.
It's probably bitter-sweet for many of the workers and fighters scheduled to scrap.
We all want to make money, but we want to protect our families too. https://t.co/zSg0KSWoy2

— aljamain sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 9, 2020

After confirmation of the postponement of the UFC 249, Dana White did not indicate when the company will return with its shows. The 'boss', however, assured fans and fighters that Ultimate will be the first organization to return to activities and confirmed that the rumors about the construction of a structure to host fights on an island are true and that it is taking place right now.