UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mixed martial arts promotion |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Art Davie, Rorion Gracie |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas, Nevada , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Dana White (President) |
| Products | Mixed martial arts events |
| Owner | Endeavor Group Holdings |
| Website | www |
UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik was an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) mixed martial arts event originally planned for March 28, 2020, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, USA. The event was ultimately postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background
This event marked the promotion’s intended return to Ohio for the first time since UFC 203 in 2016, and a comeback to Columbus after a hiatus exceeding 11 years, with the last event held there being UFC 96 in 2009. Additionally, Zuffa had previously organized a World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) event, WEC 47, at Nationwide Arena in March 2010.
The main card was headlined by a heavyweight clash featuring former UFC Heavyweight Championship contender Francis Ngannou facing Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Several adjustments to the fight lineup were made: Roman Kopylov stepped in to replace Punahele Soriano against Eric Spicely; Khaos Williams took Philip Rowe’s place opposite Laureano Staropoli; and Tanner Boser substituted for Carlos Felipe to compete against Jeff Hughes.
Julianna Peña, who earned recognition as the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate in the bantamweight division, withdrew due to injury. Consequently, her scheduled opponent Aspen Ladd was also removed from the card with intentions to reschedule their bout.
A bantamweight matchup between former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt and Raphael Assunção was arranged but Garbrandt pulled out on March 12 citing kidney-related health concerns.
COVID-19 pandemic
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine implemented restrictions on large gatherings on March 12. This led the UFC to move an event to its UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, owned by the organization, to conduct it without spectators. Nevertheless, the Nevada State Athletic Commission issued a provisional ban on events until March 25. As a result, UFC president Dana White announced further postponements. On March 16, the UFC officially delayed this event—the first cancellation attributed to vis major—alongside two other events scheduled for March 21 and April 11. White later confirmed on March 24 that all affected bouts would be rescheduled for upcoming cards.
See also
- Articles with short description
- UFC on ESPN
- 2020 in sports in Ohio
- Sports competitions in Columbus, Ohio
- Mixed martial arts events in Ohio
- 2020 in mixed martial arts
- March 2020 sports events in the United States
- Cancelled Ultimate Fighting Championship events
- Sports events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- 21st century in Columbus, Ohio