UFC cancels media day in Brasilia following government’s coronavirus decree

The UFC has pulled the plug on Thursday’s media day “due to consideration of the government’s decree yesterday.” UFC Brasilia fighters were expected to meet the press and face off at the host hotel, but the media event has now been cancelled.

On Wednesday night, Federal District governor Ibaneis Rocha announced the suspension of any event that gathered more than 100 people. The decision was in effect until March 16, but could be extended or cancelled at any time. Schools are also closed until Monday, he announced.

UFC Brasilia will take place at the 16,000-seat Nilson Nelson Gymnasium, the same venue that hosted a pair of UFC cards in the past. The main event features Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira.

No decision has been made regarding Saturday’s Fight Night event and Friday’s official and ceremonial weigh-ins, a UFC official told MMA Fighting on Thursday morning. The official asked not to be named because they are not authorized to speak publicly.

The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Brazil went up from 37 to 52 to 69 in less than 24 hours, two of those cases are in Brasilia.

Read UFC’s full statement below.

Due to consideration of the government’s decree yesterday, Ultimate Media Day has been cancelled. Content featuring the athletes scheduled to fight in Saturday’s event will be captured and shared with credentialed media members in advance of the event.