Railing collapse causes fans to fall out of stands during Mike Malott's walkout at UFC 289

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Mike Malott
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UFC 289 was briefly interrupted by a scary moment Saturday night. Fortunately, a worst-case scenario was avoided.

A railing collapsed at Rogers Arena in Vancouver as Canadian fighter Mike Malott was walking out for his fight with Adam Fugitt, causing fans to fall to the ground. Several fans appeared to be leaning against the railing trying to get Malott's attention when the barricade gave way. 

Jon Amik reported on the ESPN pay-per-view broadcast that everyone involved was all right. Many fans appeared to get up right away, and Malott was fortunate to narrowly avoid the failing railing. He was able to keep walking past the scene.

MORE: UFC 289 fight updates, results, highlights

Video also showed large sections of railing on the ground in the tunnel Malott had just walked through. The fallen railings spanned several rows.

Rogers Arena said in a statement early Sunday that there were no serious injuries.

Malott would defeat Fugitt by submission minutes later, further firing up the home crowd. 

The incident was reminiscent of the railing collapse that nearly impacted Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts at FedEx Field, the home of the Commanders, this past NFL season.

Hurts wrote a letter requesting action to be taken the railings safer after fans were sent to the ground. Rogers Arena similarly might need to look closer at its barricades after UFC 289 nearly turned tragic.

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Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News.
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