Fighters react to UFC's empty-arena event amid coronavirus outbreak

Warning: Story contains coarse language

Despite the coronavirus pandemic shutting down much of the sports world, it was (mostly) business as usual for the UFC on Saturday night.

The promotion hosted an event in Brasilia, Brazil, with Charles Oliveira defeating Kevin Lee in the lightweight main event. But there was a catch: Due to the outbreak, fans were not allowed in the arena.

Almost all major sporting organizations suspended operations this week, including the NBA, NHL, and MLB, making UFC Brasilia one of the only sports events to still occur.

Fighters and a few coaches discussed on Twitter what it was like to watch a closed-door UFC event and whether it should've even happened.

It would be epic if the ring girls start the uvai muher chants
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 14, 2020

With fuck all else to watch all day who gives a fuck if there is no one there some great fights on this card https://t.co/pDscygG069
— Neil 2 Tap Seery (@NeilSeeryMMA) March 14, 2020

Fighting in an empty gym is different. You will literally hear your heart beating #UFCBrasilia
— KAMARU USMAN (@USMAN84kg) March 14, 2020

This fan less arena is messing up my picks
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 14, 2020

The crowd can not sway the judges tonight #UFCBrasilia
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) March 14, 2020

Would be cool if they blasted some music in the arena during the fights. We all love training with music playing #UFCBrasilia
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) March 14, 2020

Will be interesting to see how the rest of #UFCBrasilia goes but so far loving the lack of boos n woos. All I can hear is the corner advice which is all I'd be interested in 🤷‍♂️ no crowds is the way to go haha
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) March 14, 2020

This arena is emptier than the toilet paper aisle at CVS #UFCBrasilia
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) March 14, 2020

Silent @ufc is awesome
— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) March 14, 2020

The breathing is loud #UFCBrasilia
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) March 14, 2020

Now that we have no fans let’s test open scoring lol no ones gonna throw things at the judges
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 14, 2020

Question: Why do they have ring girls still 🤔 #UFCBrasilia
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) March 14, 2020

Gotta say fighting with no live audience looks kind of enticing #UFCBrasilia
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) March 14, 2020

Jokes aside, several fighters - including former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier - were happy that the promotion went ahead with its card in Brasilia.

That’s what I mean appreciate the chance to watch fights today. These fighters wanna fight after going through camp, making weight etc. give it up for them and support their efforts in there tonight. https://t.co/v06GxI6DKO
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 14, 2020

I can’t afford not to fight!!!!! Win Lose Draw infected not infected mi need mi MONEHH!!!! Corona suck yuh ....eh yo! #realtalk 📸 @ejsphotographer https://t.co/Gl4B8AgBL8
— Darren Stewart (@Darren_mma) March 14, 2020

Thank you @ufc and Brazil commission for giving us something to watch in this chaotic time of health concerns. 🙏🏾🙌🏾 #UFCBrasilia
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) March 14, 2020

While all sports are canceled
I want to thank all the fighters, @ufc @danawhite & Brazil for allowing the show to go on #UFCBrasilia pic.twitter.com/lEp1zOYIY3
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) March 14, 2020