“We Didn’t Feel This Was the Right Time”- ESPN on UFC 249 Cancellation
UFC 249 that was looking to take place on the 18th of April, is quite controversial, to say the least. Dana White and the UFC were rather driven to make UFC 249 a possibility. But as of Thursday, the event stands canceled and ESPN has come out with its official statement to MMA FIghting concerning the same.
Almost every sporting organization brought their events to a halt. Regardless of the Coronavirus pandemic, the UFC was taking steps to orchestrate a series of events behind closed doors. Keen to be the first to move towards normalcy, ESPN and Disney have spilled water over their plans.
“ESPN has been in constant contact with the UFC regarding UFC 249. Nobody wants to see sports return more than we do. But we didn’t feel this was the right time for a variety of reasons. ESPN expressed its concerns to the UFC and they understood.”- Official statement by ESPN
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Even after ESPN and Disney forced the UFC to take to the sidelines, for now, Dana White is still optimistic. White plans to bring the promotion back to life ahead of other sporting leagues. Leagues all over the world have suspended play as a response to Coronavirus. The NHL, NBA, LaLiga, Premier League are some examples.
After organizing an event in Brazil behind closed doors, White was confident that the same could be done for UFC 249. In addition, it wasn’t until travel restrictions were imposed that the UFC had to postpone three of its events.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ESPN and Disney Not the Only Ones Guilty of Getting UFC 249 Cancelled
In his unrelenting effort to keep UFC 249 alive, White settled on Tachi Palace Casino Resort, Leemore, California. This meant that the promotion did not need to worry about the statewide stay-at-home order from Governor Gavin Newsom because the venue falls outside Fresno and therefore, is exempt from such orders.
White found a way around Newsom’s orders and Newsom and some state officials, as reported by The New York Times, intervened by expressing their concerns directly to Disney.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
“This Is Just Sad at This Point” – MMA World Erupts as Alex Pereira Embarrasses Anthony Smith in Front of Thousands at UFC 301
May 05, 2024 05:04 PM EDT
Conor McGregor Put on Alert as “Massive” Charles Oliveira’s Physique Stuns Fans at UFC 301 Alongside Alex Pereira – “Moving Up to 170”
May 05, 2024 04:58 AM EDT
Insider Says Mike Tyson Is in the Same Situation as Conor McGregor – “Biggest Fear Is…”
May 04, 2024 08:10 PM EDT
Joe Rogan’s Guest Ends Debate on Ryan Garcia’s Drug Test – “Even if It Was Trace…”
May 05, 2024 07:43 PM EDT
Conor McGregor Breaks Silence as Fans Hand Reality Check After UFC 303 Teaser Released- “Gonna Be Like Rousey’s Comeback”
May 05, 2024 07:38 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Times reports that Newson made the call to Disney himself and requested executives to prevent the UFC from organizing weeks worth of events on the tribal land.
What do you make of this situation?
Written by: