Has any sporting organization adapted better to the COVID-19 pandemic than the UFC? And has any sport done a better job than MMA of managing to maintain its authenticity and appeal despite the lack fans in attendance?
To be honest, we don’t think so.
Fans are the lifeblood of any sport, but when it comes to the television coverage of specific sports, certain events are able to adapt and still be compelling without fans in the stands, while others have struggled.
On this week’s episode of The Brit Pack, MMA journalist Simon Head and MMA social media specialist Chamatkar Sandhu discuss how different sports have adapted to lockdown life, and how the UFC has led the way in how to host a successful behind-closed-doors event.
The pair also look back at the fifth and final event of the UFC’s five-event run at their UFC Apex facility, as Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker threw leather for five thrilling rounds in a Fight of the Year contender. Simon and Sandhu also discussed the other crackerjack matchups that are on that way-too-early Fights of the Year list, six months in.
It’s a gap week in the world MMA calendar, with no UFC, Bellator or ONE Championship events set for the coming weekend, but there’s plenty to digest after a packed weekend last weekend, so check out the show and get bang up to date with the Brits as they wrap up all UFC Apex matters ahead of the UFC’s switch to Fight Island next week.
Check out the show via the player above, and don’t forget to subscribe!
No fans? No problem! How the UFC has ruled the sporting landscape during the pandemic