UFC 289 was briefly interrupted by a scary moment Saturday night. Fortunately, a worst-case scenario was avoided.
A railing collapsed at Rogers Arena in Vancouver as Canadian fighter Mike Malott was walking out for his fight with Adam Fugitt, causing fans to fall to the ground. Several fans appeared to be leaning against the railing trying to get Malott's attention when the barricade gave way.
Railing collapses #UFC289 pic.twitter.com/ffFaHdomfY
— Taner (@TanerFrank) June 11, 2023
Jon Amik reported on the ESPN pay-per-view broadcast that everyone involved was all right. Many fans appeared to get up right away, and Malott was fortunate to narrowly avoid the failing railing. He was able to keep walking past the scene.
Jon Anik confirmed everyone is OK. Felder said they should get some beer. This is MMA. #UFC289 https://t.co/tYTT62oxFJ
— Daniel Yanofsky (@DanYanofsky) June 11, 2023
MORE: UFC 289 fight updates, results, highlights
Video also showed large sections of railing on the ground in the tunnel Malott had just walked through. The fallen railings spanned several rows.
Rogers Arena said in a statement early Sunday that there were no serious injuries.
— Rogers Arena (@RogersArena) June 11, 2023
Malott would defeat Fugitt by submission minutes later, further firing up the home crowd.
The incident was reminiscent of the railing collapse that nearly impacted Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts at FedEx Field, the home of the Commanders, this past NFL season.
Mike Malott Jalen Hurts
— WynnBET (@WynnBET) June 11, 2023
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Narrowly avoiding railing collapses pic.twitter.com/Po4eVeETH3
Hurts wrote a letter requesting action to be taken the railings safer after fans were sent to the ground. Rogers Arena similarly might need to look closer at its barricades after UFC 289 nearly turned tragic.