J. Anik (left) and J. Rogan (right) comment on the UFC card. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @jon_anik
The return of UFC activities amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still unknown for many MMA fans. However, depending on the company's announcer, Jon Anik, Dana White and their team will be able to promote a show on May 9, in Florida (USA). In an interview with 'MMA Junkie', the commentator spoke optimistically about the show, which has not yet been made official by the organization.
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“I think we're going to have a show on May 9th. I feel very confident about it. I think there's a 90% chance. I live in Florida, so this news doesn't bother me. In general terms, I think it's just about getting the guys and fighters to wherever this place is. I feel like if any company can do it, it's the UFC,” said Jon.
Even without confirming the location of the card, Anik stated that he will not give up on being present when Ultimate officially returns to holding its weekly fights. According to the announcer, regardless of the location, he will find a way to participate in the show.
“I’m going to work on May 9th. I will be there and, depending on where, I may drive or fly to the location. I have a lot of respect for the virus (coronavirus). I have listened to many healthcare professionals, and I have a lot of respect for the medical community and the virus. But given the given circumstance, we who work with live events are going to have to rip off the band-aid and get back to work,” he said.
Even with the expectation of returning to narrate Ultimate fights, Jon states that, if the card is, in fact, confirmed, everything will be carried out in a responsible and safe way. The idea is to preserve the integrity of the athletes as much as possible, minimizing any possibility of contagion.
“You can be sure that we will be masked and wearing gloves almost until show time. We're going to take a lot of precautions, obviously, and I'm sure the questions we have now will be answered by May 9th,” Jon said.
So far, no member of the Ultimate board has commented on the veracity – or not – of the May 9 spectacle. The idea of taking the card to Florida, however, came from an official statement from the local government, which allowed WWE performances in spaces with gates closed to the public. The permission granted to the modality opened the doors for Ultimate to follow the same path.
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