KSW 53 in Lodz, Poland, Canceled Due to Coronavirus Concerns

KSW 53 Update: pic.twitter.com/6uoPtJhAci

— KSW (@KSW_MMA) March 10, 2020

Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki is the latest mixed martial arts organization to cancel an event in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Polish promotion announced on Wednesday that KSW 53 has been canceled. The event was scheduled to take place on March 21 at Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland. There are no plans to reschedule the card, and according to a release, holding it in a television studio was not a consideration.

“Despite our best efforts to organize the event, we had to make this difficult decision. Due to restrictions introduced throughout the country, aimed at minimizing the extent of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, KSW 53 will not take place either in the previously indicated location or in the television studio,” a statement from the promotion read.

“Our decision is motivated by care for ensuring safety and preventing health-threatening situations for both fighters who reach events from all around the world, as well as employees and associates organizing the event.”

The coronavirus has reportedly infected 115,000 people worldwide, with more than 4,000 deaths. According to the most recent reports, Poland has eight confirmed cases of coronavirus.

KSW 53 was expected to be headlined by a welterweight championship clash between Roberto Soldic and Marius Zaromskis.