The UFC deserve all the credit in the world for how they handled the tragic Las Vegas strip shooting.
The promotion was tasked with the difficult challenge of putting on the first major sports show near the scene of the mass shooting with the T-Mobile Arena hosting UFC 216 on Sunday morning. Although sport often acts as a release valve in these dark times, the tragedy was remembered throughout the broadcast.
Firstly, the UFC announced 100 per cent of the profits from the sale of special ‘Vegas Strong’ shirts would go to families of the victims and those affected by the shooting. The shirts were seen all over the arena while some fighters even donned them as walkout apparel.
Raise money for the families of the victims and those affected by this week's tragic events: https://t.co/YVQJUQdsBd #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/Ud05QvCALR
— UFC (@ufc) October 7, 2017
When the proceedings kicked off, we had a very powerful introduction from UFC President Dana White. He sent an emotional video message of strength and unity to the city of sin during this tough period.
The clip featured no music which provided the perfect precursor to the next portion of the tribute, a performance of ‘America the Beautiful’ by Grammy-winning artist Everlast in front of fight fans and 1,500 victims and first responders from the shooting who were invited to the show.
We love you, Las Vegas. We are #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/hSdajtQxJk
— UFC (@ufc) October 8, 2017
Even the pre-fight show on Fox did a fantastic job of remembering the victims and their families.
A wonderful piece featuring interviews with UFC 216 fighters giving their thoughts about the tragic events that rocked the city was shown in between fights.
Derrick @thebeast_ufc Lewis, @FabricioWerdum and others in the UFC share their thoughts on the tragedy in Las Vegas. https://t.co/7nLiTf3btv
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) October 7, 2017
Everything was going so swimmingly until the inevitable error occurred. The production staff are only human and as everyone knows, humans have a penchant for making mistakes.
Considering just how long UFC cards go on for, it would be shocking if the broadcast went off without a single hitch. It’s just unfortunate that one had to happen on that night in particular.
Either a button wasn’t pushed somewhere or a fader wasn’t turned down, but as the world saw another passionate homage to the victims of the shooting, they heard UFC colour commentator ask if he had time to relieve himself.
