“We’re Really Missing the Fans Big Time”-Dana White

What is the point of a sporting event without live audiences? Dana White says it’s clearly a different experience without the fans in the arena, and he misses their presence.

Since the onset of the global pandemic, the world hasn’t been the same. Live sports, in particular, took a huge hit. Yet, one organization that persevered and successfully held multiple events was the Dana White-led UFC.

Spearheading the crusade for normalcy, UFC took umpteen measures to make sure the fights were carried out in the safest way possible.

Routine check-ups, sanitization, and secluded venues were the biggest weapons in their arsenal against COVID-19. But the biggest change was the absence of a live crowd.

The sport went from having thousands of raring people surrounding the octagon to a mere few standing there. A deafening silence clouds the arenas, amplifying the sounds of every blow.

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Dana White misses the fans

Dana White at the post-fight press conference of UFC 252 spoke about how this made him feel. UFC 252 was arguably the biggest event they have pulled off since the onset of the pandemic. An event the fans would have loved to be present for but unfortunately weren’t allowed to attend.

Dana White said, “I feel the same way you guys felt. You were nervous, your hands were sweaty and your legs bopping up and down. It’s the same thing but it’s not the same at the same time because of the fans.

“The place would have been going crazy during that fight and you miss that. I miss it and I’m sure you guys miss it. I really don’t know how to explain it but we’re really missing the fans big time!”

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All said and done, the entire experience unfolding in front of your eyes is something that a digital platform will never be able to replicate.