Why did the UFC close off its Apex facility to the media and public on Saturday?
Since they closed off their Apex facility to the public and media, the UFC still haven’t given any comments on the matter
The UFC has closed off Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Las Vegas to the media as well as the public.
The company made the announcement earlier this week, but declined to provide an explanation for the closure. UFC president Dana White, however, said Tuesday that he wanted to give the media “a night off.”
Mackenzie Dern had something else to say though.
The 29-year-old women’s strawweight contender, who is preparing for Saturday’s main event fight against China’s Yan Xiaonan (15-3), told reporters Wednesday that she thinks the reason behind the closure at the Apex facility is Mark Zuckerberg, Meta chief executive officer.
“I know Mark Zuckerberg rented out the whole event,” Dern said. “I know he’ll be there, but I don’t know if it’s literally him, his wife or if he’ll have friends -- some type of party. But from someone who wanted a main event with a crowd, [it’s now] going to be very, very private.”
Dern (12-2) added that she’s excited to “put on a good show” for Mark and whoever else is going to be there. “If that’s what they want to see, is a show, then we’re going to give a show.”
Dana White responds to Dern speculation
White responded to Dern’s statement on Twitter, denying that Zuckerberg has rented out the Apex facility. The UFC still has not commented on the matter, but did alert its regular media members earlier this week that there would be no press credentials issued for Saturday’s card. The event is also closed to public tickets.
Zuckerberg, 38, is a known fan of mixed martial arts and even made headlines earlier this month when he posted a video of himself doing MMA drills.