Tribute to the Queen booed by UFC fans as they chant ‘USA’ at Las Vegas event

Sections of the crowd at the T-Mobile Arena booed a tribute to Elizabeth II, following the British monarch’s death this week

Combat Sports Correspondent

Monday 12 September 2022 00:45 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fans at UFC 279 booed a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday (10 September), before chanting “USA” as the fight card got under way in Las Vegas.

The UFC pay-per-view, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena, began with a brief tribute to the Queen, who died on Thursday (8 September).

A moment of remembrance also began, but many fans in the 18,000-capacity venue reacted by booing and chanting “USA”, as reported by Adam Hill of Las Vegas Review Journal and as was noted by numerous UFC 279 viewers on Twitter.

“UFC PPV starts off with a moment of silence in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth, which is met with boos and then a USA chant,” Hill tweeted.

The Queen died at the age of 96 on Thursday and has been succeeded by her son Charles III as Britain’s monarch.

Many sporting events in Britain were cancelled over the weekend of 10 and 11 September, including Premier League football matches.