UFC Fans React to First Show Without a Crowd

UFC 249 is rolling on and fans are having a ton of emotions about the first show without a crowd. Jacksonville, Florida is playing host to the event, but there's just this expanse of empty space outside the octagon. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is as much of a spectacle for how strange this first show is without fans. Sam Alvey and Ryan Spann got things started tonight. Spann prevailed in a split decision and surprisingly got interviewed by Joe Rogan in the ring. Now, after all of the talk for the past week circling around the lack of a crowd and the interview protocol. But, here we are with Rogan going ahead with the conversations as normal. Most viewers aren't minding that though as it adds some much-needed normalcy to the proceedings.

When the topic of conversation went to the empty arena, Spann told Rogan that it suited him just fine. "It's not weird at all. I've been on 'The Contender [Series]' twice, so I'm good. I don't like people -- I do like people. I don't like 'em a little bit. But it's fine. It was nothing; like I said, I've been on 'The Contender' twice, so I'm ready for this."

Even more striking for some of the people watching at home, Rogan just stood next to the winner and then proceeded to shake Spann's hand without gloves. Bruce Buffer, the announcer, was wearing a mask outside the cage and removed it to read the instructions and the results. Things got even more zany when the UFC broadcast team were shown for the people at home. Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Rogan were all seated at separate announce tables away from each other. It's all a deliriously strange affair, but people are just grateful to have something to watch at this point.

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