The UFC’s defiance of the coronavirus lockdown is irresponsible and things could be about to get even worse

The UFC returned on Saturday night and yet fighters were prevented from speaking out against the event even if they wanted to, writes Luke Brown

UFC 249 took place in Florida on Saturday night (USA Today)

It was hard, as the American mixed martial artist Justin Gaethje skillfully picked apart first the defence and then the defiance of Tony Ferguson, not to be thrilled by the UFC’s return on Saturday night. Sports fans have been starved of action ever since the escalation of the coronavirus pandemic. And, in the Octagon at least, this was sport at its dramatic best.

But everything else was wrong. Gaethje’s exquisitely-timed left hooks, the result of years of dedicated training in his Colorado gym, echoed loudly through an empty arena. The frenzied instructions of both men’s coaching teams could be clearly heard. And, cageside, judges, officials and photographs watched on with masks covering their faces.

Prior to the event, UFC president Dana White had boasted to all those still listening that there was little risk to those he had pressured to take part. That the UFC’s officials and fighters were simply playing their part in distracting fans bored and listless in isolation. And his staff appeared to agree. “We did this for you, to bring sports back,” a bloodied Ferguson said in the Octagon before being immediately transferred to hospital.

Not that they had much choice.

Before competing, fighters taking part in the event were asked to sign an eight-page event participation agreement. In it, a non-disparagement clause stated that “the Participant will not suggest or communicate to any person or entity” that the UFC’s lockdown shows “have been or will be held without appropriate health, safety or other precautions, whether relating to COVID-19 or otherwise.”

Tony Ferguson fell to defeat to Justin Gaethje (USA TODAY Sports)

The agreement went on to say that, if a fighter does dare to breach this clause, “the Company may revoke all or any part of any prize monies or awards won ... including, but not limited to, purses, win bonuses, other fight-related bonuses and event-based merchandise royalties.”

In plain English? Shut up. Or else.

The waiver also stated that fighters would not be able to hold the UFC liable if they end up having “severe and permanent damage to health”, a clause that became even more contentious when Jacare Souza, a Brazilian fighter, tested positive for the virus the evening before he was due to fight on the show.

Souza’s positive test threw the UFC’s flawed approach into sharp relief. Especially because, just hours before, a masked Souza attended the pre-fight weigh-ins, where he shook hands with both his opponent and White. The UFC was quick to announce that Sousa and his cornermen were asymptomatic and would be monitored remotely by a medical team.

But lessons were not learned. Social distancing was only used sporadically during the event. And much of the measures taken seemed more for show than anything else. While the commentary team were seated at separate tables, they introduced the show by standing side-by-side, within close distance of each other. None wore masks. And both Joe Rogan, the colour commentator and post-fight interviewer, and White shook hands with all of the fighters.

In potentially perilous circumstances, the necessary measures were not correctly implemented.

And yet there is a danger things are going to get even worse.

In April, White happily announced that he had rented a private island where he is planning to put on fights by late June, so that international fighters who have experienced difficulties in securing visas can stay active. Conor McGregor is among those to have expressed an interest in fighting on the island. White hopes that the territory will be able to stage bouts for the duration of the pandemic, and perhaps even beyond.

But Saturday night’s event, and Friday’s positive test, did not adequately demonstrate that the UFC can run these kinds of events safely at the height of an international pandemic. And, more concerningly, the company’s athletes are in danger of being punished for speaking out.

White wants the UFC’s response to the pandemic to mirror the gritty defiance of the fighters that have made it so popular, but there is too much at stake for this to be a viable approach.