The UFC is the latest promotion to be affected by the coronavirus as this Saturday Night’s UFC Fight Night Brasilia event is reportedly in jeopardy.
That’s because Brazil governor Ibaneis Rocha announced yesterday that sporting events and concerts featuring a large gathering of people will be suspended until March 16, schools have also been closed as well.
MMA Fighting has spoken with UFC officials and they told the site that they aren’t sure yet how the ban will affect this weekends show.
Arena BSB issued the following statement regarding UFC Fight Night Brasilia:
Arena BSB informs that became aware of a decree from the Government of the Federal District that restricts public access to sporting and cultural events, and awaits specific positioning regarding the events scheduled for this Saturday: UFC and [a soccer match]. It also clarifies that it will follow all official regulations in order to collaborate with the maintenance of public health.
Combate is also reporting that UFC officials are considering holding the event behind closed doors and with no fans in attendance. This is something that One Championship has also done and various wrestling promotions and Japan have done as well.
Also, another move has been made by the UFC as the promotion has decided to cancel today’s media day, with the promotion issuing the following statement (via MMA Fighting):
Due to consideration of the government’s decree yesterday, Ultimate Media Day has been cancelled. Content featuring the athletes scheduled to fight in Saturday’s event will be captured and shared with credentialed media members in advance of the event.
If the event does move on as an empty arena-like event, it would be the first time that a UFC event took place in that matter.
