A clear difference was quickly made apparent separating the UFC from other sports. UFC President Dana White made it clear from the start that his goal was to be the first sport to return. COVID-19 shut down all major sports. What was most disturbing to many was that the other sports were eager to close. And to tell everyone all about it. To illuminate there was a lot of virtue signaling from the major sports leagues. Dana White went the other way. He walked into the fire. And his decision has brought record handle with the UFC betting odds.
A Well-Planned Return
At the onset of the UFC return was White’s meticulous planning. He caught plenty of grief for his organization’s aggressive return. But a deeper look beyond that noise shows that White put together a smart plan based on science. Starting with himself are all UFC personnel tested every day leading up to a fight. Contingencies were made for those who test positive. As one did at the first sports betting event held. UFC 249 on May 9 proved that sports can continue even with athletes testing positive for COVID-19. From this point, the sports dominoes began to fall.
Other Sports Quick to Follow
Soon the other major sports that lacked initial courage began to follow suit. The NHL announced and approved a plan. European soccer quickly took to the pitch led by the Bundesliga. Major League Baseball fought over money instead of safety in its return negotiations. Following that was an ever-cautious NBA eager to virtue signal tepidly sticking its toe in the water. In this situation, only NASCAR could compare with the UFC as far as taking the initiative to return. White has been completely and totally vindicated. UFC growth has been meteoric with new fans and gamblers.
A Can-Do All-American Sport
White is a marketing genius that built the UFC out of nothing. An account of the UFC becoming a worldwide brand in less than two decades. Fans that never watched mixed martial arts before have quickly converted. White realized that there were millions of potential fans starved for sports. Fans that would appreciate a can-do type of sport and leader. As a result of White’s aggressive stewardship, the UFC has gained an audience. And wagering handle with the UFC betting odds is at record levels. Other sports were blown away in the dust.
So too does ESPN look smart for picking up the sport in 2020? Networks have never been more desperate for live sports content. White and the UFC delivered when it was needed most.
Upcoming UFC Betting Events
Accordingly, the UFC remains unbound and unbroken with upcoming events scheduled for the month of June. All events will be held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each event remains quarantined with no fans. Specifically, essential personnel only will be allowed into the APEX.
June 13, 2020 features UFC Fight Night Eye vs. Calvillo. Namely, Jessica Eye and Cynthia Calvillo will meet in a women’s flyweight bout.
Next on June 20, 2020, will be UFC Fight Night Blaydes vs. Volkov. Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov will meet in a heavyweight bout.
Saturday, June 27, 2020, will feature UFC on ESPN 10. So far, a total of five bouts are on the card. First is a women’s flyweight bout between Viviane Araujo and Jennifer Maia. Another women’s flyweight matchup will feature Alexa Grasso and Ji Yeon Kim. Women’s bantamweight action pits Aspen Ladd against Sara McMann.
Meanwhile, on the men’s side, there will be two heavyweight bouts. Gian Villante will face Maurice Greene. While Tanner Boser will be matched up against Phillipe Lins.
Additionally, dates are planned for July and beyond. Of course, the situation remains fluid. Should the positive momentum continue there will be more dates and fights added. Dana White has stood apart as the most dynamic, daring, and courageous leader in sports. And his sport is reaping the benefits.
