Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) opened up its UFC 247 ESPN+ PPV broadcast earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 8, 2020) with an emotional tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.
Bryant, a former five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away just two weeks ago in a tragic helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Kobe’s daughter, Gianna. The sports world has been mourning every day since, including those within the MMA community.
UFC president Dana White had promised a tribute earlier this week as the promotion was hosting its first event since Bryant’s death. It was yet another emotional sign of respect for the former NBA superstar as sports fans continue to recover from his passing.
The video tribute can be seen above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
UFC 247 is currently being contested from the sold out Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, and will culminate with a light heavyweight title fight between current UFC champion Jon Jones and undefeated contender Dominick Reyes.
For complete UFC 247 results and coverage click here.