UFC Fight Night 170 And Other Shows In Jeopardy Due To Caronavirus

The UFC are facing uncertain times in the midst of the rapidly evolving Caronavirus crisis, with the news that two upcoming shows are under threat due to restrictions being put in place regarding large scale social gatherings.

That includes this coming weekend’s UFC Fight Night 170 event in Brasilia, Brazil headlined by Kevin Lee and Charles Oliveira, which is now facing an uncertain future after the Governer of the region placed a ban on all large-scale gatherings (over 100 people), including sporting events, there yesterday.

So far there hasn’t been an official response from the UFC about the situation, but the Arena SBS where the event was scheduled to take place have released a statement confirming that they will comply with the Governor’s request.

“Arena BSB informs that became aware of a decree from the Government of the Federal District that restricts public access to sporting and cultural events, and awaits specific positioning regarding the events scheduled for this Saturday: UFC and [a soccer match]. It also clarifies that it will follow all official regulations in order to collaborate with the maintenance of public health.”

Behind closed doors it is being rumored that UFC officials are in talks with the government about the lockdown and that having the event still take place without a live audience is one option being considered.

Meanwhile, with the news that Ohio are also on the brink of announcing a similar ban on large-scale gatherings, that could put UFC On ESPN 8 in Columbus on March 28th at risk too, while there’s a big chance that other states, regions and countries around the world could undertake similar measures in the coming days and weeks.

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.