Fighters react to UFC postponing next three events due to coronavirus

Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

While virtually every single sports organization have cancelled their events, Dana White and the UFC have been bullish about making the show go on despite the coronavirus pandemic affecting the entire globe. Many fighters have also hoped they could still compete so they don’t lose a payday, but government policies have been put in place, and the UFC’s next three events have been postponed to a yet to be determined date.

The news have produced mixed reactions from people involved, and here’s a look at how these professional fighters have reacted to the cancellations.

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#repost from @arielhelwani Fans I’m sorry ! I’m shattered by this! I texted @danawhite and told him I’m in for Burns sat (Sat ONLY). I then was told the card was off. We will make it through this together. Don’t take it lightly. When we are back and running its me and Clout Chasing Covington. Don’t want to hear another name! #TalkIsOver Thanks all my supporters. @mommawoodd @missionusa #SteveWoodley @phokingqui @metabolicmeals @cbdmd.usa @monsterenergy @dinthomas @coachdukeroufus @ericbrown1954 @edbilbasoo @dfunk59 @syrius2 @iammilliereid @americantopteam @roufusport @mike_swick @akathailand @adamweitsman @championmuhsin @fasthandsproductions @dr_sschu @illwavybrooks86 @jucao21 #DrewFromTheLou #Dillion @attatl and all other partners!

A post shared by Tyron Woodley (@twooodley) on Mar 16, 2020 at 3:21pm PDT

This fight going to happen after we get back to normal programming don’t try run now kid, fuck Covington the weasel pic.twitter.com/3nylGOjHTU

— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) March 16, 2020

Any one got any extra toilet paper …for my tears

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 16, 2020

Tell me it’s not real https://t.co/Bw6CEYSbjQ

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 16, 2020

While disappointing for the fighters who were prepped to be on these cards, it is for sure the correct call. https://t.co/lLKRfs7EBb

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) March 16, 2020

Wow! This has been an extended training camp! pic.twitter.com/jqkaNE97oF

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) March 16, 2020

Honestly, at this point guys who need to make ends meet should start livestreaming sparring sessions on youtube. I honestly think the hardcores will take whatever they can get. And if nothing else it keeps the spirit of MMA alive kinda . #MMA #UFC

— Louis Smolka (@LASTSAMURAIUFC) March 16, 2020

Ok guys so I got permission from coach @Lowkick to livestream our sparring this saturday at 12:00 PT everyone will be sparring southpaw and if this gets enough views we will see where it goes. Follow me on twitch https://t.co/62uefpKziq https://t.co/is1Eg9VPDs

— Louis Smolka (@LASTSAMURAIUFC) March 16, 2020

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Your free advice for the day… . In times of panic, confusion, and uncertainty there is always some form of opportunity. Even more important than opportunity is compound interest or the accumulation of small efforts over time making a substantial difference. . . Imagine if all your competition took the next 60 days off and you kept working your craft for only 1 hour daily. You’ve accumulated 60 hours of REAL time mastering your craft. That’s 2.5 days of actual time you’ve jumped in front of the competition. . . I LOVE times like these when anyone is looking for an excuse to pull back or rest. These are the times when I’ve gained the most in my life. When everyone is looking for a reason to slow down you have to laser focus and pick it up. . I have my own views on this whole situation and I have no intention of making those views a part of this post. In no way am I down playing what’s happening but… . The people that want it bad enough will comment supporting each other in finding a way to get what’s yours. The people that want to make an excuse will leave comments about how they can’t or shouldn’t.

A post shared by James Krause | UFC Fighter (@thejameskrause) on Mar 16, 2020 at 2:33pm PDT

People asking about my fight on a cruiseship! Here it is here! Back in 2015, Phuket Thailand. 12 seconds #teamdontblink pic.twitter.com/5YHWvzKSEz

— Kai Kara France (@kaikarafrance) March 17, 2020

If I wake up dead tomorrow for any reason I just want it to be known that each lil honey that ever showed me love & kindness have a spot in my heart and I appreciated all the moments we shared together! I Love you bitches !

— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) March 17, 2020

I’m sorry to hear of the recent postponement of the next three UFC events, including my fight on March 28. I look forward to working with the @ufc and @danawhite on a replacement date and location. Until then, everyone stay safe as best they can. Hope to see you soon. pic.twitter.com/LAIurybFBI

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 17, 2020

LOOKS LIKE MY TRIP IS COMING TO AN EARLY END. UFC IS TRYING TO GET ME BACK HOME BEFORE THE TRAVEL BAN IS IN EFFECT

— Randa Markos (@randamma) March 16, 2020

Can’t teach either, gyms are closed in our province

— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) March 16, 2020

Almost! Negotiations were a little bit ago but! It is what it is! See u soon @TWooodley ✊ ✊ #FuckCoronaVirus pic.twitter.com/JmcdOirlXU

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) March 16, 2020

If nobody can work then how are people expected to pay bills? #squatter

— Chas Skelly (@ChasSkelly) March 16, 2020

lot of people with the “I told you so” comments happy the ufc shows got canceled but what you don’t realize is that the fighters can’t get paid and other than fighting most guys work as trainers in gyms (also closed) so best believe if I get a call to fight on an island I will

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 16, 2020

With everything that’s going on and the majority of people stuck at home. Let’s have some fun & think of possible positives that can come from everyone being self quarantined for a few weeks #CoronaVirusBrightSide

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) March 16, 2020

I just drove from Montreal to the US to do all my medicals. They barely let me back into Canada last night. https://t.co/xFFmTnlDrN

— éS (@EricSpicely) March 16, 2020

I’m ready to fight give me an opponent I fly back to England no fuckin problem
I wanna smash Darrens face or whoever @Mickmaynard2 @ufc

— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) March 16, 2020

I think that by continuing the events with “no fans” he is allowing the fighters to continue putting money on the table for their families. No fight = No money for the athletes. I can see your perspective as well. https://t.co/kG729jNkDA

— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) March 16, 2020

Bonus tweet:

“Active Rest” # Breakin’ASweatAfterBusinessTrip # Let’s Go -CSO- # WorkMoar # pic.twitter.com/AWB28ma8II

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) March 17, 2020

For more live updates on the COVID-19 pandemic affecting MMA and other combat sports, you can follow our story stream here.

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About the author

Anton Tabuena

Anton Tabuena is the Managing Editor for Bloody Elbow. He’s been covering MMA and combat sports since 2009, and has also fought in MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing.