UFC To Get Back To Business On Sunday After An Eight Week Break

When the 24 fighters at UFC 249 accepted to compete during the coronavirus pandemic, they figured that they are putting themselves in another risk to their already dangerous jobs. Since the UFC has strict safety protocols in place, no one can be assured of the dangers concerned when the mixed martial arts promotion comes back from an eight-week break with three shows in eight days in Jacksonville.

Your #UFC249 fight week lineup! pic.twitter.com/HSgbuirOWt

— UFC (@ufc) May 4, 2020

The UFC brings North America’s major sports back, with a pay-per-view show in Florida.

The fighters Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson who will lock horn on Sunday understand that their risks are surpassed by the sporting rewards they will reap and the example they will present when they fight for the interim UFC lightweight title in a fan-free platform.

ICYMI: Saturday's cold open will give you CHILLS! #UFC249 pic.twitter.com/C4xUjRZZEq

— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2020

The UFC didn’t want to stop the competition when the coronavirus pandemic was growing. At the same time, President Dana White had a bunch of fighters ready to compete amid the unprecedented public health crisis.

Gaethje said, “There’s not very often you’re going to get to fight for a world title, much less during a pandemic when there’s zero sports going on and you’re going to be the only one on TV, you have to face your fears. You’ve got to go out there and take the chances when they’re presented. … We get to put paychecks in our own pocket, and we get to put a paycheck in every UFC employee’s pocket that’s going to work this event, and we get to inspire people to not give up right now.”

Like Gaethje, a seasoned veteran like ex-champion Dominick Cruz sees UFC 249 as a chance to overcome fear. 

“Realistically, anybody can contract this virus,” said Cruz, “I think that’s partially the point, is understanding that anybody out there can get this, but you can’t just freeze up when you see something that’s scary. You’ve got to take the precautions, be as safe as possible, but live your life. That’s what I’m doing.”

Many athletes have raised concerns about being compelled to play their sports in such times, but the UFC’s fighters are almost excited to return as they generally don’t get paid unless they compete.