Against the general advice of medical experts and as the country shuts down little by little amid the global coronavirus pandemic, UFC president Dana White remains adamant that the promotion will find a way to keep its event schedule up and running.
“Unless there’s a total shutdown of the country where people can’t leave their houses and things like that, these fights will happen,” White said. “We’re gonna move on. These guys will compete. We will find venues, and we will figure this thing out. I mean, the only thing that’s gonna stop us is a complete government shutdown where everyone is confined to their homes.”
Given the unprecedented circumstances, things seem to change rapidly as fighters and fights are constantly being removed, replaced and shifted. As difficult as it is to follow, this post will attempt to keep you up to date.
Here’s what we know.
(Editor’s note: This will continue to be updated as events unfold with the latest info in chronological from top to bottom.)
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Monday, March 16
First UFC London fight shifts to Cage Warriors 113
There will be at least one “UFC London” fight on the card at Cage Warriors 113 this Friday as the middleweight bout between Wales’ John Phillips and Serbia’s Dusko Todorovic has shifted.
Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan previously revealed to MMA Junkie that he was in discussions with relevant parties to try to save some of the UFC fights that had effectively been scrapped following the enforced postponement Saturday’s event.
So much for Burns vs. Woodley
Gilbert Burns, after expressing optimism he could headline Saturday against Tyron Woodley, says that fight isn’t happening.
Man 🤦🏾♂️ Shame on this former champ he said He is on killer mode! No you’re not you don’t want no smoke! I will see u soon @TWooodley thanks @danawhite @seanshelby and my manager @AliAbdelaziz00 to try to make this fight! I’m always available to fight but this guys talk to much 🤷🏾♂️
Sunday, March 15
Original UFC on ESPN+ 29 card in shambles
With U.S. travel restrictions extended to the U.K. and England among countries banning large gathering, UFC on ESPN+ 29 – scheduled to take place Saturday in London – effectively has been scrapped. Some fights remain, while others are canceled altogether.
The UFC has sent out an internal memo to managers in wake of the situation, essentially opening the door for any fighters – on the UFC roster or not – to volunteer their services for a makeshift event.
Woodley vs. Edwards headliner canceled
The UFC on ESPN+ 29 lineup takes a big blow as the headliner between Tyron Woodley and Leon Edwards is canceled. Edwards made the announcement on Instagram.
“We have been working with the UFC on possible solutions to keep the fight alive,” Edwards said, “but unfortunately with such a short window of time, nothing was viable.”
Covington volunteers to fight Woodley
With UFC on ESPN+ 29 in need of a headliner, Colby Covington says he’s willing to fight longtime rival Tyron Woodley on six days’ notice.
Woodley says he is interested.
Woodley calls Covington’s bluff
Even though Colby Covington says he’s willing to fight in the UFC on ESPN+ 29 main event, Tyron Woodley claims he wasn’t serious.
Woodley says he accepted but that Covington said he was “just kidding.”
Burns in mix as possible Woodley opponent?
Fresh off a first-round TKO win over Demian Maia last Saturday, Gilbert Burns hints that he’s been offered to step in and fight Tyron Woodley. All that awaits is for Woodley to accept.
The fight has being offered! As always I said yes! On my way to Miami! Can’t wait to as soon as a land tomorrow to have a @ufc contract on my email! Waiting on you @TWooodley to say YES!
Cage Warriors to the rescue?
Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan tells MMA Junkie that he is willing to put previous “UFC London” fights on his card this Friday. Cage Warriors 113 is expected to go on behind closed doors.
“We have been trying to save a couple of the UFC London fights and have them compete at the show as contracted UFC fights on Cage Warriors,” Boylan said. “I’m just trying to help the fighters not miss out on competing. It may or may not happen, as it’s a fast-moving situation and trying to pull all the moving parts together is super tricky.”
