The Association of Ringside Physicians issued the following statement, recommending the indefinite suspension of all combat sports.
The Association of Ringside Physicians has been actively following the recommendations of the CDC as well as other professional medical societies concerned with the spread of COVID-19, or novel coronavirus.
Sporting events across the world have been cancelled in response to the increased risk of infection and transmission by participants, fans, officials, and support staff.
It is our recommendation that all combat sporting events be postponed until further notice. This includes any and all events, regardless of the number of people involved. Any combat sport taking place during this global pandemic places the athletes, officials, and anyone else involved in the event under unnecessary risk of infection and transmission of Covid-19. In addition, combat sports athletes often require medical attention after a bout, and we do not wish to see any additional strain on an already overwhelmed medical system.
We continue to monitor this ever-evolving situation, and our thoughts continue to be with those who have been and will be affected by this disease.
Our organization remains steadfast in our mission: to serve, protect, and educate all involved in combative sports.
The statement comes after new reports of WWE and UFC planning to continue hosting new events in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. WWE announced SmackDown will continue this week, and the Money In The Bank pay-per-view is still scheduled to take place on May 10. UFC’s Dana White also spoke to TMZ and said he’s close to securing a private island so the MMA giant could still host weekly fights.
Related: WWE Confirms Date For Money In The Bank PPV, No Venue Announced
