UFC exec Jeff Novitzky defends decision to move UFC 232, but fans are furious

UFC VP of athlete health and performance Jeff Novitzky is adamant that moving the entire UFC 232 card from Las Vegas to Los Angeles was the fight move.

The UFC exec made his latest comments on the polarizing decision to move the card on Twitter, reiterating that he believes Jon Jones is innocent despite the ‘atypical finding’ on his drug test.

This case exemplifies how advanced and sensitive drug tests have become. With this comes a greater responsibility and the need to look at each situation objectively. The decision yesterday showed both of these things. Can’t make everyone happy, but it was the right thing to do.

— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) December 24, 2018

“This case exemplifies how advanced and sensitive drug tests have become,” Novitzky said of this unfortunate UFC 232 situation. “With this comes a greater responsibility and the need to look at each situation objectively. The decision yesterday showed both of these things. Can’t make everyone happy, but it was the right thing to do.”

As MMAjunkie points out, the fans who bought tickets to watch UFC 232 live in Las Vegas — and shelled out hundreds on hotels and other travel expenses — aren’t really buying Novitzky’s comments.

https://twitter.com/philthemmadude/status/1077227912359759872

“Literally no one believes you Jeff,” one fan said on Twitter. “We’re not as stupid as you think and you’re as corrupt as Al Capone so congrats. What a clown you are.”

https://twitter.com/GuySamson1986/status/1077226856821284864

“I hope the Christmas bonus uncle Dana handed you yesterday makes up for the loss of your reputation for the rest of your career with USADA/UFC,” another fan said.

https://twitter.com/CrissDizick/status/1077219841826799616

“Cant make everyone happy? I’m out 1.6k I’ll never see,” another fan said of this UFC 232 situation. “I worked hard for that months of OT. But your still gonna have a good Christmas I bet.”

Would it have been done for a unranked fighter? Or would have you just suspended them and figured it out later? Your just a UFC lackey and a huge hypocrite

— Brett Remesch (@rems12) December 24, 2018

“Would it have been done for a unranked fighter? Or would have you just suspended them and figured it out later? Your just a UFC lackey and a huge hypocrite,” a fourth fan said.

Needless to say, it seems like the decision to move UFC 232 from Las Vegas to Angeles — which has deprived thousands of fans of the entertainment they paid for — could haunt the UFC for some time.

Where do you stand on the UFC’s controversial choice to move UFC 232 to LA?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 12/24/2018.