ESPN’s Ariel Helwani took to Twitter to reveal some distressing news for UFC fans all over the world. Helwani reports that there are some American fighters who will be fighting at the O2 Arena in London but are still in the States.
One of the Americans to feature on the main card is the headliner himself, Tyron “The Chosen One” Woodley(19-4-1). The former UFC Welterweight champion will be taking on local hero and home favorite Leon “Rocky” Edwards(18-3-0).
There are American fighters scheduled to compete in London next week week who haven’t left yet https://t.co/W5AP7yYGNG
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 14, 2020
The last time Woodley stepped into the octagon was when he went toe to toe against Kamaru Usman in 2019 at UFC 235. The fighters took to the fight to the judges for scoring following which Usman was awarded the win by unanimous decision.
Not only did Woodley lose the fight, he had to part with his UFC Welterweight title. He earned the title back in July 2016 after dropping Robbie Lawler in the first round within 2 minutes and 12 seconds.
Leon Edwards has been riding high, coming off a streak of 8 consecutive wins. The Welshman last took on Rafael Dos Anjos at the main event of UFC Fight Night: Dos Anjos vs. Edwards. Edwards came off with a win by unanimous decision.
Middleweight Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland(16-5-0) is another U.S. citizen looking to compete at Fight Night 171. He will be stepping up to the Welsh fighter Jack “The Hammer” Marshman(23-9-0).
Travel Ban Will Not Apply To UFC Fighters Travelling From the United States
US President Donald Trump’s travel ban on several countries has recently come into effect as a response to the Coronavirus epidemic. The US has already suspended travel from 26 Schengen countries- 22 EU and 4 non-EU.
Until recently Ireland and the U.K. were exempt from Trump’s travel ban. However, there has been an uptake in the number of cases in the countries. The total number of cases in the U.K. has reached roughly 1,140 with 21 deaths.
The European travel ban does not apply to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents or their family members. However, the travelers will have to travel via particular airports with enhanced screening procedures.
Add to this — the UK is expected to ban mass gatherings so that definitely throws the UFC London card into upheaval. I've reached out to the UFC for comment but no word back yet https://t.co/Jn4QPo0Dm7
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) March 14, 2020
The U.K. will be banning mass gatherings across the country. The decision was taken in order to alleviate pressure off the police and emergency services. The timings of the clampdown and the size of the event that it will affect has yet to be decided. What will be the fate of Fight Night 171?
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