UFC Brasilia to go on behind closed doors after coronavirus decree

UFC Brasilia will go on but fans will not be allowed to enter the Nilson Nelson Gymnasium on Saturday night, sources confirmed to MMA Fighting following a report by Combate.

The decision comes less than 24 hours after Federal District governor Ibaneis Rocha announced that sporting events and concerts with gatherings of more than 100 people would be suspended until March 16.

The governor updated his decree on Thursday afternoon, allowing events behind closed doors pending an authorization from the Federal District’s health surveillance. The UFC has yet to comment on the situation.

The UFC cancelled Thursday morning’s media day at the hotel hotel, where 24 fighters were expected to talk to the press and face off. Friday night's ceremonial weigh-ins have also been cancelled.

There are over 70 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Brazil, doubling the number of cases from 24 hours ago.

Lightweights Kevin Lee and Charles Oliveira headline the Fight Night card Saturday, with Demian Maia taking on Gilbert Burns in the co-main event.

Lee and Burns reacted to the news on social media.

Check the full UFC Brasilia lineup below.

Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira
Demian Maia vs. Gilbert Burns
Renato Moicano vs. Damir Hadzovic
Johnny Walker vs. Nikita Krylov
Francisco Trinaldo vs. John Makdessi
Jussier Formiga vs. Brandon Moreno
Amanda Ribas vs. Randa Markos
Elizeu Zaleski vs. Alexey Kunchenko
Rani Yahya vs. Enrique Barzola
Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Maryna Moroz
Bruno Silva vs. David Dvorak
Veronica Macedo vs. Bea Malecki