UFC Chief Dana White Vows to Ban Flares After Belgrade Event
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- UFC President Dana White attended the promotion's first event in Serbia, held in Belgrade.
- The event set two UFC records, with 12 out of 14 fights ending by stoppage, ten in the first round.
- White was pleased with the fights but strongly disapproved of fans using flares in the arena, deeming it dangerous and vowing to ban them.
UFC President Dana White expressed strong disapproval of fans using flares during the promotion's inaugural event in Belgrade, Serbia. While White was impressed by the fights, which set new UFC records, the presence of pyrotechnics in the arena was a major concern.
The event, held in Belgrade Arena, saw 12 out of 14 bouts end by stoppage, with ten of those finishes occurring in the first round. This remarkable display of decisive action set two new records for the promotion. White, who personally attended the event, was reportedly thrilled with the quality of the fights.
However, White stated that he never wants to see such incidents occur at future UFC events. Flares, while common in European fan culture, are considered dangerous, especially in enclosed spaces. White and his team fear that the actions of fans in Serbia could inspire similar behavior in other venues.
Despite the concern over flares, no incidents occurred within the arena. White has made it clear that flares will be strictly prohibited at upcoming UFC events. The promotion aims to maintain a safe environment for both fighters and spectators.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.