Dana
White believes the
Ultimate Fighting Championship emerged from the Covid-19
pandemic stronger because the promotion refused to stop
evolving.
The UFC CEO reflected on the organization’s response when the
sporting world came to a standstill in the spring of 2020. While
many organizations were forced to suspend operations, White said
the UFC’s priority was finding a way to continue staging events
despite widespread shutdowns and travel restrictions.
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The UFC CEO recalls creating Fight Island after pandemic
shutdowns threatened events
During his recent appearance on „The Pivot“ podcast, White said
that the promotion had three priorities as they entered the
pandemic. They wanted to keep every employee on payroll, fulfill
their contractual obligations to fighters and continue delivering
events for their broadcast partner, ESPN.
“I talked to the governor and told him I could put on fights,”
White recalled, reflecting on the obstacles they faced. “I just
needed production guys. We could social distance, wear masks, do
all the things they required. And he told me I couldn’t do it.”
White said the UFC then began exploring alternatives.
“I was like, ‘Well, you know what? I’ll go to a deserted island
somewhere, set up an Octagon, and do it,’” White said. “That’s how
Fight Island was created, and our sport grew 77% during COVID.”
The UFC ultimately established its Fight Island bubble on Yas
Island in Abu Dhabi, allowing the promotion to continue holding
international events while much of the sports world remained
dormant. This kept the UFC afloat and even led to a surge in
popularity.
By April 2021, the UFC was once again welcoming fans to events in
the United States, and three months later returned to T-Mobile
Arena in Las Vegas for
UFC 264, headlined by a trilogy bout between Dustin
Poirier and Conor
McGregor. Looking back, White said the challenges of the
pandemic reinforced the culture he has tried to build within the
organization.
“That’s why when it’s time to run into the fire, my team runs with
me,” he added. “You find out who everybody is when hard times
hit.”