2020 MPO Year in Review – No. 1 COVID-19 halts all sports and the return of events during a pandemic

It is obvious that the biggest business story of 2020 was the pandemic and how it affected MMA in 2020.

Despite the state-mandated closures, the UFC was dead-set on trying to run cards. You might recall it was one of the last to run a live card before a global shutdown, as a card in Brazil was held in March.

The UFC attempted to hold UFC at Tachi Palace in Lemoore, California, but the plan was negated when the Governor intervened and talked to Disney executives about stopping the event from happening. The UFC found a venue in Florida and held three events in May at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

One of the concerns about the return to action was COVID-19 protocols. Initially, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza tested positive for the coronavirus and had to pull out of his fight. Some concern grew as on social media it appeared that he had hung around with other fighters prior to discovering his positive COVID-19 test. When the UFC returned to Las Vegas, it updated its COVID-19 protocols.

As the UFC returned, contractual waivers were handed out to all fighters and media that covered the event. The waivers indemnified the UFC from liability if anyone would contract COVID-19 among other waivers which would release the company from the threat of litigation. Notably, I was quoted in a Bloomberg article on this subject. Yet, it was a controversial issue and something that will be the bane of many corporations as they

Bellator returned to action in July with its own “Fightsphere” that was held at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. The site was also used by Showtime Boxing for events.

After it was clear that he would have issues with having his roster of athletes travel, especially those located outside of the U.S., he announced plans for a “Fight Island” which drew the imagination of many UFC fans of fights on a beach.

In actuality, the fights took place in July in Abu Dhabi. Of course, the weather would not allow the event to be held on a beach, but on Yas Island where the UFC had conducted events in the past.

Fight Island became a thing as the UFC filed trademark applications for Fight Island. It also drew the ire of Last Week Tonight host John Oliver who poked fun at White as he attempted to come back during a pandemic.

White fired back at Oliver and so did Oliver which created a minor rivalry. He even trademarked a comedy bit that Oliver came up with during his comedy segment, ‘UF-SEA’. But extending the olive branch, White sold shirts but proceeds of the shirts with the name went to a charity that Oliver supported.

Fight Island took place in Abu Dhabi with the Department of Tourism rolling out the red carpet for the UFC. The Embedded episodes from UFC 251 showed first class facilities and tight COVID-19 protocol. But, most of these accommodations were paid for by the governmental entity rather than Zuffa.

Even with the protocols, there were multiple fights that were altered due to positive COVID-19 tests. The UFC had the most fights nixed and/or postponed. This was due in part due to the number of events it has held.

Notably, Bellator was the first company to enforce rules with punitive measures as it suspended Sanford MMA coaches Henri Hooft and Greg Jones and fined their fighter Jason Jackson after they failed to self-quarantine prior to receiving the results of their COVID-19 tests.

After more positive COVID-19 tests started to roll out this fall, the UFC tightened its protocols for those fighting at The Apex.

Notably, Dana White has not worn a mask during events. The only individual usually without one during events, its an embarrassment by of leadership. Scott Coker returned Bellator and donned a mask at events complying with local and state regulations. Before the summer, White, perhaps in line with his friend, President Donald Trump, blamed the media for the coronavirus coverage.

As the year ended, White took one last shot at the media members that questioned the reasons for returning the sport back so quickly. During a pandemic, when there were still things not known about the spread, or when a vaccine would be ready, there were legitimate questions about what should be done. White scoffed at these and brought the UFC back. He took the gamble and won as ratings soared as did PPV buy rates.

UFC PPV buy rates starting in May 2020

UFC 249 Ferguson-Gaethje: 700K

UFC 250 Nunes-Spencer: 85,000

UFC 251 Masvidal-Usman: 1.3M

UFC 252 Stipe-DC: 500K

UFC 253 Adesanya-Costa: 700,000

UFC 254 Khabib-Gaethje: 675,000

UFC 255 and 256 not reported as of this date

No. 10 Lyman Good loses lawsuit

No. 9 Zuffa pays out investors

No. 8 Appeal of Mark Hunt case heard

No. 7 PFL shutters 2020 season