The city of Las Vegas suffered a terrible tragedy on Sunday night after a gunman opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest Festival from an upper floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. With 58 dead and over 500 injured, the mass shooting will go down as the worst in modern US history.
The story has some extra resonance for those involved in mixed martial arts as Las Vegas is home to UFC headquarters and several major gyms. Disturbing footage from the night of the attack is full of street corners and hangouts familiar to anyone who has been to Sin City to catch a fight.
UFC president and Las Vegas resident Dana White has been helping spread critical information over social media following the attack, and now it has been confirmed that the promotion will be making a $1 million donation to the families of victims to help them through this tough time.
UFC president Dana White tells me the organization will donate $1 million to the families of those affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) October 2, 2017
As for the status of UFC 216, set to take place next weekend just a few blocks from the shooting? As of right now, it’s still going ahead and will be dedicated to the residents of Las Vegas.
“Our focus right now is on supporting the community and those affected by Sunday evening’s events,” the UFC announced in a written statement. “UFC 216 on Saturday, October 7 at T-Mobile Arena will proceed as scheduled until further notice.”
We are saddened by this senseless act of violence and offer heartfelt condolences to all those affected. pic.twitter.com/KzsqqXRZ1y
— UFC (@ufc) October 2, 2017
The UFC’s ties go deep in Vegas. Former owners Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta also run the Station Casino just off the strip, and the promotion has held over 30 events at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. When Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather faced off for their boxing superfight, the media center was located in the same lot as the Route 91 Harvest Festival. It’s just a terrible tragedy, one we hope doesn’t damage the spirit of Las Vegas too deeply.
