Fighters react to UFC London being cancelled: “Truly heartbreaking”

As concerns of the spread of the Corona virus heightened, the rules for gatherings also became stricter.  Now this weekend’s UFC London has been cancelled. There initially was hope of moving the main event between Tyron Woodley and Leon Edwards to another location, presumably in the United States. Those plans have now been scratched, however, as the US have instated a travel ban on citizens from Ireland and the UK. Now that UFC London is officially cancelled, see how fighters who were slated to compete on the card react to the devastating news.

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Fighters react to UFC London being cancelled:

Leon Edwards

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Last night I went to sleep still with some hope that UFC London would continue next week.  I woke up this morning to the news that it won't be.  We have been working with the UFC on possible solutions to keep the fight alive, but unfortunately with such a short window of time, nothing was viable.  Myself and my team are all fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, and not all of us can leave our families right now.  I wish we could have found a way for the fans, I truly do. I have been dreaming of headlining a UFC show in my home country since I started this sport.  This cancellation is truly heartbreaking.  I have never worked harder and never been more prepared for the biggest moment in my career.  But I know that the whole world is hurting right now and this is bigger than me, this is bigger than sports.  All I can hope for is  that all of you stay safe and look after each other as we get past this and move forward. I am humbled by the thousands of messages of support I have received in the hours since the announcement, I truly appreciate you all and feel a lot of love right now.  I look forward to this event being rebooked when it is safe to do so, so Tyron and I can put on the show that you all deserve. Please take care, we will all get through is. Rocky

A post shared by Leon "Rocky" Edwards (@leon_edwardsmma) on Mar 15, 2020 at 11:27am PDT

Danny Roberts

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I’m sure that everyone has heard the news by now but it is with frustration that I can confirm that my fight scheduled ‪on 21 March 2020‬ at UFC London is no longer going ahead. After numerous months abroad, time spent away from family and all the other sacrifices associated with competing at the elite, it goes without saying that my personal frustration is on another level right now. I have worked hard my whole life for these moments and, particularly in light of last year’s events, I was fully focused on putting on an unforgettable show for the fans in this year’s co-main event. I live and breathe fighting. I love performing for the fans. I have done everything in my power to make sure this fight happens. However, this is completely out of my control and recognise that the health and safety of the 20,000 people who would be in the O2 Arena ‪on Saturday night‬ is paramount. Therefore, despite the widespread disappointment, if delaying or moving the competition protects people it’s 100% worth it. Life is all about perspective and, in this time of madness, I would urge everyone to spend quality time with their loved ones – that’s certainly what I will be doing. Let’s fight this virus together ? (but in groups no larger than 500 people ?). See you soon fight fans ✌?❤️ #UFC #UFCEurope #UFCLondon #TeamChocolate #MixedMartialArts #UKMMA #SanfordMMA

A post shared by Danny Roberts (@danhotchocolate) on Mar 15, 2020 at 8:20am PDT

Nicolas Dalby

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A phoenix always rises from the ashes! I am incredibly sad to announce that just like many other fights from the original #UFCLondon card, my fight too has been cancelled. I honestly have never been more ready for a fight than I am now, technically, physically and mentally. I was supposed to fight an impressive opponent on one of the biggest European fight cards of the year. And as the co-main event even! This had all the signs of being a Fight Of The Night battle and an opportunity for me to show that I had truly risen from the ashes, even professionally … But as sad as I am about losing out on this opportunity I have no issue understanding why. Our communities and societies are threatened and affected by the circumstances of the pandemic spreading across the globe. A lot of people, especially our weakest fellow citizens, are at risk of catching a deadly illness. So the most important thing right now is that we take care of each other and take the precautions to get through this best as possible. My hope is to have this fight re-booked to another date in the near future as I was really excited about this match-up. But even if that doesn’t happen I am very positive about my fighting future. I learned so much from this training camp on many different levels and I can’t wait to showcase my skills soon. Stay safe out there and take care of each other so that we all can rise from the ashes like a phoenix and live to fight another day ❤️ ? @palleschultz ? @jakobxtattoos

A post shared by Nicolas “Lokomotivo” Dalby (@dalbymma) on Mar 15, 2020 at 2:36pm PDT

Jack Shore

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Guys unfortunately I’ve had the devastating news that my fight this Saturday is off.. I am truly gutted as I’ve put everything into camp this last 12 weeks, and I am even more gutted for my friends family and fans who have paid money to come watch, I hope that gets sorted for you all! However I completely understand that health comes first, and the necessary measures have been put in place for everyone’s safety. Although there’s no fight, the camp isn’t a waste as everyday I’m getting better and looking forward to continuing to do so. I will be back in the gym tomorrow helping my team mates prepare for their up coming fights, hopefully I can get a quick turn around and we can get this show on the road soon. Big love to you all, tank ????????

A post shared by Jack 'Tank' Shore (@jackshoremma) on Mar 15, 2020 at 9:28am PDT

Marc Diakiese

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Unfortunately my fight has been cancelled! I've spent money and months away from home preparing, however due to #Coronavirus UFC London won't be going ahead. Obviously health comes first, I hope everyone stays safe at home with their families. ??

A post shared by Bonecrusher ????☠️ (@marc_diakiese) on Mar 15, 2020 at 3:45am PDT

Jack Marshman

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Absolutely gutted that im not fighting Saturday After months of rehab on my injury I put everything in to this camp to get back into shape and was ready to put on a show. I hope we can get this re booked ASAP it was going to be a fun fight ???

A post shared by Jack “the Hammer” Marshman (@jack.marshman.ufc) on Mar 15, 2020 at 9:55am PDT

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Close but no cigar. I honestly believe you all know how heartbroken I am right now. I found out I was fighting first week of December. So you can imagine the sacrifice and investment that has gone into this one. And to bring it home in the 02 and emulate last year is all I’ve been working for. I could not thank my sponsors, management, team mates, coaches, training partners, family, friends and girlfriend enough for all the support. Things are still up in the air and I can’t thank you all enough for the messages. It’s not an easy place to be, and who knows when we will next get to rock n roll. I’ll be back to coaching next week, so if you want in DM me

A post shared by Molly McCann-Pearson (@meatballmolly) on Mar 15, 2020 at 10:25am PDT

Lerone Murphy

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Devastated to announce my fight has been cancelled due to the corona outbreak. 1 week away from fight night. After 2 trips to Thailand and countless hours in the gym. This was the best I’ve ever felt going into a fight, mentally and physically. Hopefully this will all clear up soon and we will all be back to work! @ufceurope @ufc – – – – #fuckcorona #ufclondon #ufc #trainingcamp #training #gymmotivation

A post shared by Lerone Murphy (@lpresi145) on Mar 15, 2020 at 4:10am PDT

Jai Herbert

Woodley still on?

The hopes of salvaging Woodley vs Edwards seems to have died now. However, Woodley is still content on competing, and has announced on social media that he is willing to fight another opponent. There has been back and forth between him and rival Colby Covington – who claims that he has reached out to the UFC in hopes of fighting the former champion.