The Indian mixed martial artist from New Delhi, Anshul Jubli, is set to make his UFC debut on October 21 at the UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi. Anshul currently holds a record of 7-0-0 in MMA. Moreover, he has won two of his fights by knockout, one by submission, and four by a judge’s decision. But there is sad news for the Indian fighter, which is that he will not be able to carry his country’s flag during his walkout for the fight.
This comes after the news that there has been an alleged ban on flags at UFC 294. This comes as a shock to all the fighters, but most of all to Anshul. The ‘king of lions’ would have wanted to make a statement at his UFC debut, considering the boos against India that were heard during the press conference of the UFC 294 event. Nevertheless, Anshul is all set to go up against the USA’s Mike Breeden at UFC 294.
People from my country 🇮🇳 giving me so much love. I’m truly blessed and honoured. I got this opportunity to represent India in the world biggest MMA stage @ufc
Please tune in and watch the fight between 7:30pm to 8:30pm on 21st October on sony ten2 and ten 3. #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/0R2D04ErXU
— Anshul Jubli (@anshuljubli_) October 19, 2023
Muhammad Mokaev recently posted about a certain rule change within the UFC. He posted on X that there would be no flags at UFC 294. And his post garnered a lot of attention, considering the current state of the world. The recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resulted in UFC fighters taking sides and has created much controversy within the sport.
Even though the conflict between Israel and Palestine is seen it might be the reason if the flags are actually banned at the event. It is also worth noting that Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, where the event is set to take place, does not permit ‘flags and banners’ for most events that are held in it.
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Mokaev, also known as ‘The Punisher’, hinted at a flag ban. Despite the recent ban lift that Dana White, the CEO, and president of UFC did. The post must have come as a surprise to all the UFC fans and Dana White alike.
Dana White already ended the policy of flag bans in Octagon
In a press conference on October 8, UFC CEO Dana White announced that the promotion’s ban on fighters bringing flags into the octagon would be lifted. The 54-year-old said, “If any flags hurt your feelings, too f*cking bad”. Dana made the claim that nowadays everybody is ‘too soft’ and ‘too sensitive’. And that the promotion can’t micromanage everything that goes on in the UFC.
Dana White has always been blatant in whatever he says in the media. And this is just another example of him not caring about what the world thinks and doing things his own way. The reason for the ban on the country flags in the Octagon was first expected to be the Russia-Ukraine conflict. And now it is expected to be because of the Israeli-Palestinian skirmish.
Dana White confirms the UFC flag ban is OVER.
“If any flags hurt your feelings, too f*cking bad.”
Full video: https://t.co/ZUbISHjMT3 pic.twitter.com/fixhAOCsGX
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 8, 2023
Amidst all the problems happening in the world, one thing that will not stop is the fights within the UFC. The entertainment that the sport provides is going to remain constant. And that is why fans around the world love the UFC.