UFC Media Day Cancelled Due To Coronavirus Threats

As a response to the threat that the Coronavirus poses, the UFC has agreed on canceling various events. The organization has scrapped Ultimate Media Day and Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night 170. The official Friday morning weigh-ins are the only obligation that remains.

Late Wednesday night, Brazil’s Federal District governor Ibaneis Rocha suspended gatherings of more than 100 people. The announcement includes sporting events, concerts, religious gatherings, and schools, among others.

There are currently 69 confirmed cases in the country, of which two are from the capital city of Brasilia. The suspension order is currently in effect till the 16th of March. However, the dates may extend depending on the conditions of the country after the stipulated period.

UFC’s full statement regarding Ultimate Media Day acknowledged the government’s concerns.  The statement read, “Due to consideration of the government’s decree yesterday, Ultimate Media Day has been canceled. 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.”

UFC Fight Night 170 Set To Take Place Behind Closed Doors

UFC Fight Night 170, planned at the Nilson Nelson Gym, will now take place in the absence of fans. The decision seems inevitable, considering the hike in the number of cases across the country.

The organization’s decision mirrors that of various sporting events across the globe. For instance, last night’s UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund took place with empty stands.

Further, the NBA put the entire season on hold after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel tested positive for the virus.

The headliner of UFC 170 pits Lightweights Kevin “The Motown Phenom” Lee against Charles “do Bronx” Oliviera. The former stands 18-5-0 whereas the latter holds a record of 28-8-0.

The co-main attraction at the event has Demian Maia (28-9-0) take on fellow Brazilian national Gilbert Burns (17-3-0) in the Welterweight division.

More is yet to come regarding the further actions UFC will take in order to regulate upcoming events and ensure the safety of everyone involved.