MMA vs. coronavirus: Staying up to date on developments during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe has caused the sporting world to grind to a virtual standstill, with even MMA forced to step down its efforts to plow on in the face of rising health concerns.

The outbreak has changed daily living for people in all walks of life, with terms like “self-isolation,” and “social distancing,” not to mention more hand washing than ever before becoming part of our daily routines.

With their main sources of income now severely curtailed, everyone in the MMA world finds themselves facing a different battle in an effort to stay safe as they, like the rest of us, adapt to a new normal during the global health crisis.

Via this page, we’ll keep you right up to date with the latest developments and stories throughout the coronavirus crisis.

(Editor’s note: This will continue to be updated as events unfold with the latest info in chronological from top to bottom.)

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Saturday, April 4

Dana White part of Donald Trump conference call with major sports executives

President Donald Trump booked a conference call for Saturday, and UFC president Dana White was among the participants.

The call featured White and nine other heads of major sports leagues.  It came in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shut down nearly all sports organizations across the globe.

According to a press briefing, White was joined by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, MLS commissioner Don Garber, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, IndyCar’s Roger Penske, LPGA commissioner Michael Whan, WWE president Vince McMahon and Breeders cup President Drew Fleming.

Friday, April 3

Stipe Miocic featured as Modelo highlights efforts to help first responders during COVID-19

Modelo is donating a hefty chunk of change to first responders battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an advertisement released Friday, the beer company announced a $500,000 donation to the “First Responders First” initiative. The 15-second video features UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, who doubles as a firefighter. Miocic (19-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC), who maintains his firefighting job in Ohio in addition to his fight career, is briefly shown, standing near a firetruck and taking off his helmet.

“Donations to #FirstRespondersFirst will provide essential supplies, equipment and resources for protecting frontline healthcare workers,” reads the initiative’s official donation page.

Aljamain Sterling not going to fight until pandemic passes

Add bantamweight contender Aljamain Sterling to the ranks of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Derrick Lewis, and other UFC fighters exhibiting basic common sense and not fighting until COVID-19 passes, regardless whether the promotion insists on plowing forward with shows.

“I love how these other guys are being these yes men and trying to sound all cool,” Sterling told MMA Junkie. “Anyone can say, ‘Yeah, I’ll just take the fight.’ But are you doing yourself the best possible favor by just taking a fight? Absolutely not. If you’re going to just say, ‘I’m going to take a fight,’ because you think it’s going to put you in the good graces of the UFC brass, I think you’re really diluted in the head.

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