From an at home viewers perspective UFC 249 appeared on its face to be no different than the MMA fights we have come to love. However, as fighters began their walkouts it became subtly clear that the pandemic that has been affecting the world would be altering the atmosphere of this event as well.

UFC 249 | UFCwww.ufc.com

As fighters began their walkouts the empty stadium echoed with music and an unfamiliar silence. With each fighters exit from the locker rooms an entourage of corner men wearing the now familiar medical grade mask followed just a few steps behind them. A sight that will forever mark the COVID-19 impact on the martial arts and UFC history.

Michelle Waterson walks out with her masked entourage in UFC 249 AP

As they entered the ring the familiar voice of Bruce Buffer rang through the air. Not lacking any excitement from the long drawn out announcement of each fighters name we have become familiar with there was an unfamiliar silence. The cheers of the crowd as each fighter paces back and forth filled with...silence.