Yahoo Sports and longtime martial arts reporter Kevin Iole reveal the clause entered into the match contracts for tonight's gala UFC 249.
If any of the contestants criticize or dirt the UFC's health and safety practices, they run the risk of getting rid of all their match fees and any performance bonuses that are traditionally awarded to different fighters at each gala.
Yahoo Sports has spoken to UFC President Dana White over the phone. He confirms that the clause exists and explains it like this:
- If a coward says something that is not right, for example that we have not tested any for covid-19, then it would violate the contract. But if you say something that is true, or just express your opinion, there is a difference, says White.
According to White, a similar clause is included in all of the UFC's contracts so that it does not spread falsehoods. But to express something negative only if the UFC is not enough to break the contract, White claims.
The UFC has communicated several safety guidelines around the night's gala in Jacksonville, Florida - the first in nearly two months. Among other things, the official victory interviews immediately after the match would be via headsets from an isolated position outside the cage. Instead, commentator Joe Rogan joined the octagon on several occasions, and also shook hands with cowards.
Before the gala began, a pre-recorded video of US President Donald Trump appeared outside the White House, congratulating the UFC on being back in action, encouraging other organizations and leagues to resume.
- Follow the social distance guidelines and everything else you need to do. We want all sports back. We need sports, Trump said, among other things.
CLICK: UFC fights tested positive for covid-19 before the bile
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UFC star Ronaldo Souza has tested positive for covid-19 and quarantined. Photo: Twitter