South Africa

True story, there IS live sport this weekend!

2020-05-08 11:29

Don't all jump for joy at once, but there IS live sporting coming to a television screen near you this weekend!

Ok, we admit it's not the Lions v Bulls Super Rugby clash that was scheduled for 15:05 on Saturday at Ellis Park, but who are we to complain in these current unprecedented times?

Oh, and you'll need a DStv subscription to watch.

While the USA are the current runaway 'leaders' in terms of Covid-19 positive cases and deaths, they are also the first country to host live sporting action - albeit behind closed doors.

Go figure.

Dana White (Getty Images)

One has to admire UFC president Dana White. He's been champing at the bit to host another of his UFC events and he finally gets to do so at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday at 04:00 (SA time).

And he's assembled a stacked card at UFC 249 (to be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 1, 8 and 11).

All precautions against the spread of Covid-19 will still very much be in effect as the stands will be empty, commentators will sit separately and all crew members will wear personal protective equipment.

No interviews will take place inside the octagon - which will be disinfected after each fight - and everyone involved will stay in a single hotel and undergo strict testing for the virus.

In the main event, Tony Ferguson will put his 12-fight winning streak on the line as he squares off against American compatriot Justin Gaethje.

Interest from Africa will focus on heavyweight brute Francis Ngannou of Cameroon who fights fellow banger Jairzinho Rozenstruik from Suriname.

Ngannou and Rozenstruik have 24 career victories between them, 23 of them inside the distance.

Bet on someone getting knocked out!

Then, a little under 250km down the Florida coastline in Orlando, Vince McMahon's WWE mob will hold their next pay-per-view extravaganza with the annual Money in the Bank event from the WWE Performance Centre.

Once again the event will take place behind closed doors - and will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 4 and 9 on Monday at 01:00 (SA time).

The headline matches scheduled include (among others):

Men's and women's Money in the Bank ladder matches

WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) v Seth Rollins

Universal Championship: Braun Strowman (c) v Bray Wyatt

SmackDown Women's Championship: Bayley (c) v Tamina

That's all the LIVE action this weekend, folks.

BUT there are growing rumblings from around the world - mainly from the football fraternity - that in the coming weeks we will see some silky skills in action.

I for one, can't wait!

Drew McIntyre (wwe.com)

Read more on:    garrin lambley  |  lockdown  |  coronavirus  |  ufc  |  wwe

 

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