Sijara Eubanks and Mick Maynard respond to criticism of the UFC’s safety protocols

Women’s bantamweight Sijara Eubanks and UFC Vise President of Talent Relations Mick Maynard responded to criticism of the promotions safety protocol this evening.

After tonight’s UFC Vegas 16 event lost three bouts in the matter of one hour (two due to Covid-19), mixed martial arts journalist Ben Fowlkes issued the following statement on Twitter.

At what point do you conclude that maybe your safety protocols could use another look? https://t.co/1s3TPWHjX6

— Ben Fowlkes (@benfowlkesMMA) December 5, 2020

“At what point do you conclude that maybe your safety protocols could use another look?” – Fowlkes wrote.

Those comments clearly struck a nerve with UFC women’s bantamweight Sijara Eubanks (6-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC) who responded with the following:

Lmao @ufc put on more events than any other pro sport (combined probably) there are WAY more negative test results than positive ones. We are the covid model for safety. Boo Ben, what a hatin ass tweet

— Sijara SarJ Eubanks (@SarJnCharge) December 5, 2020

“Lmao UFC put on more events than any other pro sport (combined probably) there are WAY more negative test results than positive ones. We are the covid model for safety. Boo Ben, what a hating ass tweet.” –  Eubanks replied.

A fight fan then replied to Sijara Eubanks by comparing the UFC’s Covid-19 run against that of Major League Baseball.

“There were hundreds of baseball games. Have there been hundreds of UFC events?”

That comparison spawned UFC executive Mick Maynard to jump in on the conversation.

Wasn’t there only 60?

— Mick Maynard (@Mickmaynard2) December 6, 2020

“Wasn’t there only 60?” – Maynard questioned.

“Per team. Plus Playoffs.” – The fight fan replied.

Ok so we had hundreds of fights

— Mick Maynard (@Mickmaynard2) December 6, 2020

“Ok se we had hundreds of fights.” Explained Maynard.

“They played thousands of innings. See how stupid that sounds?” – The fan replied.

Ok “Chuck”. I’m proud of what the company and athletes have achieved. They deserve praise

— Mick Maynard (@Mickmaynard2) December 6, 2020

“Ok “Chuck”. I’m proud of what the company and athletes have achieved. They deserve praise.” – Mick Maynard concluded.

While the UFC and Mick Maynard have done a terrific job keeping fighters like Sijara Eubanks employed during the pandemic, the promotion has still endured a constant battle in keeping their fighters free from Covid-19.

The UFC is still set to hold two more events in 2020, this before a three weekend break from action.

What do you think of the comments from Sijara Eubanks and Mick Maynard? Share your thoughts in the comments section PENN Nation!

December 5, 2020