Saturday’s UFC Brasilia fight card in jeopardy, governor calls off sporting events due to coronavirus
This Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+28 – UFC Brasilia fight card could be in jeopardy after governor Ibaneis Rocha announced on Wednesday night that sporting events and concerts with gatherings of a large number of people will be suspended until March 16.
The fight card is currently scheduled to take place at Nilson Nelson Gymnasium in Brasilia, the country’s capital. The facility holds 16,000 people, and the fighters set to compete are already in country.
There are 52 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Brazil, two of those in Brasilia.
Multiple UFC officials, who asked not to be named because they are not authorized to speak publicly, told MMA Fighting they are aware of the decision, but not yet sure how it will affect the fight card. UFC officials currently are in talks with the government to understand how this decision impacts the event, sources said.
Arena officials released a statement on the situation, confirming they will follow the government’s decision, but await a final decision regarding the UFC.
“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.”
Saturday night’s fight card is headlined by a lightweight bout between former title contender Kevin Lee and Charles Oliveira.
UFC Brasilia Fight Card:
Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira – 155 lbs
Demian Maia vs. Gilbert Burns – 170 lbs
Renato Moicano vs. Damir Hadžović – 155 lbs
Johnny Walker vs. Nikita Krylov – 205 lbs
F. Trinaldo vs. John Makdessi – 155 lbs
Jussier Formiga vs. Brandon Moreno – 125 lbs
Amanda Ribas vs. Randa Markos – 115 lbs
Elizeu Zaleski vs. Alexey Kunchenko – 170 lbs
Rani Yahya vs. Enrique Barzola – 135 lbs
Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Maryna Moroz – 125 lbs
Bruno Silva vs. David Dvořák – 125 lbs
Veronica Macedo vs. Bea Malecki – 135 lbs
