The UFC and Cage Warriors may be intending to run shows in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, but there are countless MMA fighters, boxers, and other combat sports competitors who are unable to work as a result of postponed or outright cancelled events. With the Association of Ringside Physicians recommending an indefinite ban on combat sports shows, it’s likely that many of these athletes will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
One of the concerns about the suspension of combat sports events is the negative toll it will take on the finances of fighters, all of whom are classified as independent contractors, meaning they would’ve been ineligible to apply for unemployment benefits.