Dana White Holding UFC 249 in Jacksonville Feels Like a Punishment

The coronavirus pandemic caused the majority of professional sports commissioners to shut down operations until further notice.

Well, everyone except UFC president Dana White. The head honcho of the premier mixed martial arts organization has been dead-set on running UFC 249, despite the danger of spreading the coronavirus.

White wanted to run the event on an Indian reservation in California and on a private island, but to no avail. Now, White has resorted to hold UFC 249 and two subsequent events in...Jacksonville? Oh boy.

The news shouldn't really come as a shock, as the state of Florida listed professional sports and WWE as "essential businesses." Whether the government deems UFC essential or not, this event simply shouldn't be happening.

Citizens in the United States are currently living through a time where they can't leave their homes or enter a grocery store without wearing a face mask and gloves. If that's the case, how are fighters allowed to sweat and bleed over each other? Also, they'll be holding three total events in the mere span of eight days. That's a severe health hazard, COVID-19 testing or not. And in...Jacksonville? Of all places? That's your massive, exotic relocation plan? After Fight Island, we're a little underwhelmed.

Let's not forget that fighter Lyman Good was diagnosed with the coronavirus. Why is White continuing to schedule events? But hey, no fans will be allowed in VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, so it's all good! Please.

White is so desperate to bring in television and pay per view revenue that he's willing to hold events in Jacksonville. No offense, but the city isn't a desirable destination.

We get it, White has received approval from President Donald Trump and the Florida government to broadcast fight cards. But in all seriousness, watching cage fights is the least of our priorities in this current climate.