Pro-Palestinian protestors in New York City surrounded a van carrying UFC fighters and others in a chaotic incident that left everyone unharmed, according to manager Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment.
During the incident, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill broadcast a live video on Instagram from inside the van as it was when stopped at the W 41st St. and 7th Ave. intersection. The van also carried UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler, former bantamweight title challenger Cory Sandhagen, and UFC staff and security.
Butler explained that after a UFC fan event at a nearby nightclub, they encountered the protestors, leading to escalating tensions. A UFC security team and the NYPD managed to help the van through, and despite the slashed tires, everyone escaped safely.
Butler described the contrasting reactions of Lawler and Hill during the intense situation, with Hill’s tendency towards aggression, and the need to keep him calm to avoid further escalation.
After Hill’s Instagram live broadcast, Butler assured the public that the incident’s worst part had passed, and refuted claims that they had attempted to run anyone over with the van.
For Butler, the critical situation was handled as best as possible by everyone involved.
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