On Thursday, Dana White announced the UFC would not proceed with its scheduled pay-per-view event, UFC 249, on April 18. The card was planned despite stay-at-home ordinances throughout most of the United States and was to be headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. It was also going to feature a heavyweight title eliminator between Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
After the cancellation, fighters took to social media to applaud the decision, while others expressed disappointment in the outcome
Bravo @danawhite you did all you could. That’s admirable of you and we all appreciate it .
— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) April 9, 2020
Being someone who was signed to fight in May: trying to diet down and prepare to possibly fight, while being on lockdown, and not having access to my normal training has definitely been hard.
I appreciate Dana and the UFC for how hard they’ve worked to try and make it happen. https://t.co/O9W4zFH83R
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) April 9, 2020
That look when you find out #UFC249 is postponed 😪😪😪 pic.twitter.com/b3OsITi1MI
— Gillian Robertson (@savage_ufc) April 9, 2020
Sad for the fighters and fans who got their hopes up for this. But maybe it’s best to give this virus more time to blow over.
It’s probably bitter-sweet for many of the workers and fighters scheduled to scrap.
We all want to make money, but we want to protect our families too. https://t.co/zSg0KSWoy2— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) April 9, 2020
Man I’m feeling for my fellow colleagues. This blows. #UFC249 canceled ❌
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) April 9, 2020
April 18th might not be happening but everything is ok, I’m personally happy and proud of the dedication and commitment of the @ufc and @danawhite
Thank you for trying so hard 🙏#StayStrong #UFC249
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) April 9, 2020
#UFC249 cancelled WOW . Respect to @danawhite for trying his hardest to bring sports back to the world . Can’t wait until everyone can return back to their normal lives . Hang in there folks ! 🙏🏾
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 9, 2020
Smh the weaklings won
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 9, 2020
Alright this is it.. great effort from @danawhite and @ufc to make it happening https://t.co/09mJF1ubin
— Nordine Taleb (@TNT83MMA) April 9, 2020
I just accepted my 3rd opponent in a week… sucks. Stay safe everyone !
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) April 9, 2020
Thank you @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby @Mickmaynard2 for trying your hardest to put these fights on. Best team in the business hands down.
— Anthony Rocco Martin (@TonyRoccoMartin) April 9, 2020
I believe him when he says UFC will be the first sport back. Now let’s hope we as fighters get 3 fights a year after all this. Also, you have to admit Dana is the most motivated president in sports. https://t.co/94C1JC54U2
— Aiemann Zahabi (@Aiemannzahabi) April 9, 2020
So can I eat pizza now?! https://t.co/HYYb242Rrt
— Katlyn Chookagian (@blondefighter) April 9, 2020
No brainer https://t.co/yvcIOOSHtn
— patrick cote (@patrick_cote) April 9, 2020
I trained 3 times a day whereever I could, dieted hard while stuck in quarantine, lost my opponent said yes to whoever else they can find, put my health on the line knowing there was a chance it wouldnt happen because I love what I do I’m a fighter. if your celebrating this ef u
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 9, 2020
UFC 249 Has been cancelled. I’m not mad at it 🤷🏽♂️. It’s probably best for everyone and @danawhite said they will come do a show at @Tachipalace 😝🔥. #ufc249 #fightisland https://t.co/ztAjIFpP6q
— Max Griffin (@MaxPainGriffin) April 9, 2020