UFC remembers Kobe Bryant prior to UFC 247
For the last 14 days sports fans have been recovering from a broken heart following the loss of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
The five-time NBA champion was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. The accident also claimed the lives of eight other people, including Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Ever since the tragedy occurred, memorials have been occurring all across the world and last night the UFC paid their respects to Bryant and the other victims. Following the start of the main card on pay per view, the UFC held a nine second moment of silence to remember everyone who passed away in the tragic accident.
UFC remembers Kobe Bryant prior to UFC 247
The UFC honored Kobe, Gianna and the 7 other victims of the helicopter crash at #UFC247. pic.twitter.com/ot86W5Snqe
— ESPN (@espn) February 9, 2020
Following the fights, UFC President Dana White informed everyone at his post fight press conference that Bryant was an investor in the company.
“This was our first event since it happened and people might not know it, but Kobe Bryant was an investor in [Body Armor], which is a big sponsor of the UFC and he was also an investor of the UFC.”
White also spoke with Bryant just days before his death.
“What’s crazy is you guys always hear me say ‘2019 was an amazing year for our Company,” said White. “Kobe Bryant actually got a distribution the Wednesday before it happened and he was so pumped and so excited.”
White also shared how shocked he was over the news of Bryant’s passing.
“I literally couldn’t believe it for like an hour. Once it really started pouring in it was like crazy. I actually had someone who was a huge Kobe Bryant fan and Kobe was supposed to come in on Tuesday and sign a jersey for him.”
A memorial service for Bryant will be held on Feb. 24 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
