The UFC takes another big hit after to salvage the UFC Fight Night 171 card this Saturday. The main event between Leon Edwards and Tyron Woodley is now canceled due to travel restrictions and the coronavirus on the part of Edwards. Edwards shared a statement on Instagram discussing protecting the wellness of himself and his team as well as travel restrictions in England.
The UFC is trying to continue to defy the best practices to stop the spread of the coronavirus and protect the well being of the fighters. In defense of the UFC, it held UFC Fight Night 170 in Brasilia, Brazil in an empty arena and the fighters wanted to compete knowing the situation that is existing. The UK has announced a ban of mass gatherings on March 14, which eliminates the possibility of UFC Fight Night 171 being held in London, England. The UFC is still looking to have UFC Fight Night 171 happen but hasn’t announced a location.
The UFC will have their hands full on trying to save UFC Fight Night 171. Not only would they have to find a new opponent for Woodley in the main event, but they have to create multiple fights on the card. MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn reports that thirteen fights that were on this card are now canceled. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reports that the UFC is looking for people willing to fight on short notice either under contract or not under contract.
This is an email they are sending out to managers and reps about this new card next week. As you can see, they are even open to signing fighters who currently aren’t on the roster to fill it up, as well. pic.twitter.com/qYcYCDvdyo
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 15, 2020
Woodley is looking to stay on the card and Colby Covington claimed he wanted to fight Woodley this weekend. However, Woodley denies that Covington wants to fight. It is rumored now according to BJPenn.com’s Cole Shelton that Rafael Dos Anjos is a potential opponent that can step to fight Woodley.
Sources tell me Tyron Woodley did turn down Gilbert Burns as they are pushing for the RDA fight this weekend at a location TBD. #UFC
— Cole Shelton (@ColeShelton91) March 16, 2020
The UFC seems committed to putting on fight cards no matter what. As of now, UFC Fight Night 171 is not canceled and is being worked on.