The world has been left shocked by the worst mass shooting in modern U.S history on Sunday night in Las Vegas, and with the city being the hometown of the UFC, the promotion have been quick to express their condolences to the victims and their families.
“We are saddened by this senseless act of violence and offer our heartfelt condolences to all those affected,” a short statement on the front page of UFC.com and their social media accounts reads.
Over the years the UFC have hosted many events at the Mandaley Bay Resort And Casino, where the shooter, Stephen Paddock took aim at his victims from a room on the 32nd floor, leaving at least 59 people dead and over 500 injured, while UFC 216 this coming Saturday night is scheduled to take place across the street from the site of the shooting at the T-Mobile Arena.
Speaking to TMZ yesterday, UFC President Dana White confirmed that as things stand the UFC 216 pay-per-view event will still go ahead, but it seems that his thoughts are mainly focused on those who were caught up in the senseless act of this past weekend.
“This is my city, this is my town. I grew up here, I raise my family here,” White told TMZ. “All my friends live here. This is where my business is. And the people … what we’re going to do is we’re going to donate $1 million to the people, the families, the people who are affected by this. And you know, it’s still too early, so we’ll see what pops up over the next week. But, we’re gonna cut that money up and donate it to a bunch of things that have to do with the tragedy.”
Among the many UFC fighters who have also spoken out about the tragedy is lightweight champion Conor McGregor, whose boxing fight with Floyd Mayweather just a few months ago was one of the biggest events ever seen in the city.
“Absolutely devastated upon hearing the news in Las Vegas,” McGregor wrote on Instagram. “A city with so much energy and life. A city of celebration and enjoyment. A city so close to my heart. I pray for all the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.”
