Since the most recent event UFC 274, we are facing new rules and limitations regarding this. Dana White states that since UFC 274 he implements a ban on national flags due to ‘obvious reasons’. “You guys know why. Let’s not even play that fucking game.” – Dana says.
Since the beginning of the sport, and in fact, not only this one but any sport, the fighters, or competitors enter the scene with a flag of their country on their backs. The public accepts it as normal and the organizations use it for boosting the promotion of the sport, or the event to the country in question.
There Will Be No More National Flags Allowed In The Octagon
However, it is certainly not clear enough what is the reason behind this. And what does it mean – for obvious reasons? Is the UFC afraid that the Russian fighters will come out with Russian flags and will promote aggression? Or are they afraid that the Ukrainian fighters will come out with Ukrainian fighters and will offend the Russian audience?
However, what happens if they happen to arrange a Russian and Ukrainian fighter to fight? Will that be seen as fueling the hate between these two nations?
Whatever it is, it is not right. What is a patriot? A person that loves his country. It is as simple as that. But that doesn’t mean that the fighters are supporting the current politics of a given country. It is really a stupid move to be afraid not to offend anyone and with that alone offend everyone at once.
“They didn’t let us get the flag, so shout out Jamaica.” – Randy Brown says.
The fighters are not accepting this ‘open-mindedness’. The ‘riot’ for returning the flags is starting instantly. At the same event, UFC 274, Randy Brown expresses his dissatisfaction with this and he shouts out to his fellow Jamaicans after his win.
I hope that the UFC is not under China’s influence. Banning and suppressing fighters only for carrying a national flag is a violation of one of the main human rights. The right for self-declaration. If someone declares as a Russian that doesn’t mean that he has Putin’s photo on the wall. Or if someone declares as an American doesn’t mean that he is a Biden supporter.
Nevertheless, another question raises immediately after this. Knowing Dana White, and knowing the money hungry owners of the promotion, it wouldn’t surprise us. Is the ban valid only for national flags? Because they might use this as an opportunity to introduce sponsor flags. So, instead of representing your country, you will represent some company. And that might be OK with Dana.
This is not the first time that the UFC is taking away something from the fighters. Once before the UFC took away the brand wear and sponsorships, so this comes as no surprise.
Leave the politics to the politicians. Let the UFC continue to be the best mixed martial arts promotion in the world.
