The UFC is one of the only major sports currently taking place amidst the coronavirus outbreak, but as governments begin to take more precaution to prevent its spreading, it's growing increasingly more difficult for the promotion to host events. With the United Kingdom banning large gatherings, the UFC has been forced to move UFC Fight Night 171 from London to the United States.
As a result of moving the card stateside, Leon Edwards announced he is unable to travel to take part in his main event match against Tyron Woodley. In a post on Instagram, Edwards called the cancellation "truly heartbreaking."
Last night I went to sleep still with some hope that UFC London would continue next week. I woke up this morning to the news that it won't be. We have been working with the UFC on possible solutions to keep the fight alive, but unfortunately with such a short window of time, nothing was viable. Myself and my team are all fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, and not all of us can leave our families right now. I wish we could have found a way for the fans, I truly do. I have been dreaming of headlining a UFC show in my home country since I started this sport. This cancellation is truly heartbreaking. I have never worked harder and never been more prepared for the biggest moment in my career. But I know that the whole world is hurting right now and this is bigger than me, this is bigger than sports. All I can hope for is that all of you stay safe and look after each other as we get past this and move forward. I am humbled by the thousands of messages of support I have received in the hours since the announcement, I truly appreciate you all and feel a lot of love right now. I look forward to this event being rebooked when it is safe to do so, so Tyron and I can put on the show that you all deserve. Please take care, we will all get through is. Rocky
A post shared by Leon "Rocky" Edwards (@leon_edwardsmma) on
Shortly after Edwards' announcement, former welterweight title challenger Colby Covington took to social media and volunteered to step in on short notice. Issuing a challenge to Woodley, Covington
wrote:
"Word on the street is [Leon Edwards] is out. The [UFC] and America need a hero. Who wants see America’s Champ put the #MAGA cape on and beat the f--- out of [Tyron Woodley] live on ESPN next week for your entertainment and my own personal pleasure?"
According to ESPN's Ariel Helwani, Tyron Woodley still wants to fight and he seems willing to take on Covington.
Woodley is the former welterweight champion, having lost the belt to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 back in March of last year. He hasn't fought since. The brash talking Colby Covington is also coming off a loss to Usman, losing his title challenge by TKO at UFC 245 last December.