(Video) UFC crowd boos tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, promotion censors comments

Adam Miller

After spectators at the MGM Grand Garden Arena booed during a homage to Queen Elizabeth II, the UFC banned social media comments.

Before the UFC 279 pay-per-view part of the show, a memorial to the late queen was shown by the promotion. On the jumbotron, a picture of the Queen was shown along with the dates of her birth and death.

But instead of observing a moment of silence for Her Majesty as suggested, the 18,000-person audience booed and chanted, “USA, USA.”

Adam Hill tweeted the following:

“UFC PPV starts off with a moment of silence in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth, which is met with boos and then a USA chant.”

MMA journalist Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports, who was also there for the event, confirmed his account.

The identical Elizabeth II image was then shared on Twitter by the UFC. The organization chose not to take a gamble this time, however. It disabled the comments feature on their social media homage, ostensibly to avoid yet another barrage of critical feedback from followers.

The world of mixed martial arts has had a variety of emotions after the recent demise of Queen Elizabeth II.

The queen died on Thursday at the age of 96 at her Scottish castle, Balmoral. In 1952, she ascended to the throne and ruled for the next 70 years.

The news of her death shocked people all around the world. Several MMA figures expressed their sorrow over her passing and condolences online.

Dana White posted a picture of a young Queen Elizabeth II on Twitter with the word “RIP” as a way of expressing his sympathies. MMA competitors Cris Cyborg, Mike Perry, Terrance McKinney, Megan Anderson, and Marion Reneau agreed with White’s remarks.

Surprisingly, neither Michael Bisping nor Leon Edwards, the two UFC champions from England, made a statement. The hottest British up-and-comer Paddy Pimblett remained mute during the Queen’s death as well.