‘Savage’ UFC fans boo minute silence for Queen and chant ‘USA, USA’

UFC fans booed the minute's silence for Queen Elizabeth II ahead of Nate Diaz's victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 on Saturday night.

Her Majesty passed away on Thursday at the age of 96 after more than 70 years on the throne, the longest reign of any monarch in British history. The UFC paid tribute to her life ahead of the start of the main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a minute's silence, whilst a picture of the Queen was displayed on the big screen inside the arena.

However, the tribute was marred by jeers from fans before chants of "USA, USA" rang around the 20,000-capacity venue.

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Following the incident, former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier said on commentary: "Us Americans are some savages."

Meanwhile, fans later questioned the decision for the UFC to hold a tribute to the Queen, with one writing on social media: "It’s weird that the UFC would even acknowledge it. Was the Queen a big fan of mixed martial arts?"

Another added: "I’m really mystified by this. Like…who thought a tribute was necessary at this event? At no point in the last two days did anyone on this planet wonder 'My God, how is the UFC going to handle the news of the Queen’s passing?' And yet here we are."

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Once the rejigged main card got underway, fans were treated to a thrilling night of action after the final three fights had to be changed on Friday following a dramatic morning of weigh-ins.

Daniel Rodriguez beat Li Jingliang via a controversial split decision in their catchweight bout. That was followed by Khamzat Chimaev's submission win over Kevin Holland, with the Swede pulling off a D'Arce choke after just two minutes and 13 seconds.

It was Chimaev's weight miss of 7.5lbs which caused the chaotic changes to the card and left Diaz taking on late replacement Ferguson, who had initially been scheduled to fight Jingliang in the co-main.

The mixed martial arts icon went on to win the fight, forcing Ferguson to tap with a guillotine choke in the fourth round in what was the final fight on his UFC contract. Following his win, the 37-year-old promised that a trilogy bout with Conor McGregor "will happen".

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