The indefinite postponement of all upcoming UFC events was a surprise that wasn’t really all that surprising. The UFC had been trying their best to make future events happen — including UFC 249, which was originally scheduled to be held on April 18 — but following a phone call from Disney and ESPN, Dana White was finally pressured to pause their event schedule.
Now, Justin Gaethje, who had replaced Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event against Tony Ferguson before UFC 249 was canceled, has shared his thoughts on what happened. In an Instagram post, Gaethje seemed optimistic and grateful for the opportunity:
“I really felt a surge of energy and support as this fight was building up from so many ppl across the world, it was very humbling. I am thankful to represent Safford, AZ and my great friends and family. I’m going to be working hard to be ready next time the opportunity arises. Let’s get through this fight we are all facing right now by having a positive impact on our immediate surroundings (family, neighbor, community) Thank you!! 🙏 The boss @danawhite is someone I am proud to do business with.”
It is thus far uncertain when the UFC will resume their schedule, but White is still promoting his idea of a private island that would allow the promotion to host fights without having to worry about restrictions on international athletes coming into the US.
