MMA fans loudly BOO a tribute to the Queen ahead of UFC 279 in Las Vegas
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Fans at UFC 279 loudly BOO a tribute to the Queen at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas after a picture of the late monarch was put on the main screen
- The Queen died at the age of 96 on Thursday, sending the world into mourning
- Across the UK and beyond, moving tributes have been held for the late monarch
- At UFC 279, though, her picture was met with loud boos from around the arena
- Her name was read by the announcer, but the picture was quickly taken down
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A big-screen tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in Las Vegas was met by a loud chorus of boos from fight fans in attendance at UFC 279 on Saturday night.
The United Kingdom, and much of the world, has been in mourning following the death of the monarch on Thursday.
But there was little love being shown for her in Sin City, where the sight of her face immediately sparked a volley of angry booing – and laughter from people listening to the jeers.
It is unclear what prompted the crowd’s ire to towards the late monarch, although UFC games are known for being rowdy. The Queen never publicly spoke out about UFC, but was known to enjoy betting on horses, and even enjoying testosterone-fueled pursuits such as deer stalking and grouse shooting.
Ahead of the main card of UFC 279, a picture of the Queen was put up on the main screen inside the arena, with her date of birth and death below, while an announcer read her name out to the crowd in attendance.
A huge image of the Queen was put on the big screen ahead of the UFC 279 main card in Vegas
It was met by loud boos, before being quickly taken down from the T-Mobile Arena screen
Unlike much of the reaction at sporting events in the UK, a loud chorus of boos rang around the arena, before the photo was then taken down from the screen.
Most sport has been called off this weekend in the UK, including Premier League soccer games, while in the cricket and at the Formula One, moving tributes were held.
Stateside, a moment of silence at the US Open and the NFL opener between the Bills and the Rams was beautifully observed, but it was a different scenario in the city of sin.
Inside the Octagon, the crowd seemed to enjoy the action more than the pre-fight tribute
Most sporting events in the UK have been cancelled and a state funeral is being planned
In the last prelim, before the Queen’s image was shown, Julian Erosa (R) beat Hakeem Dawodu
Vegas fight fans seemingly had no time for the late monarch, who died at the age of 96, and has now been succeeded by her son, King Charles III.
In the event itself at UFC 279, the card is being headlined by Nate Diaz and Tony Ferguson, after Diaz’s initial opponent Khamzat Chimaev missed weight by seven-and-a-half pounds.
Chimaev is now fighting Kevin Holland in the co-main event of the evening, with a stacked card sure to provide cheers – rather than boos – from the supporters in attendance.
In contrast to Saturday’s scenes in Vegas, many boxers and UFC fighters paid respectful tributes to the Queen on social media.