Sherrod Sports Visas is proud to announce that Fernand Lopez (head coach of UFC Interim Champion Cyril Gane) and Jack Becker (Cornerman of UFC Heavyweight Contender Jack Della Maddelena) obtained emergency B-1 appointments to attend UFC 270 Gane vs Ngannou. UFC 270 takes place January 22, 2022 in California to unify the Heavyweight Championship of the World between Champion Francis Ngannou and Interim Champion Cyril Gane.   

Fernand Lopez obtains B-1 visa in Paris France on Emergency Basis

In most European countries, the line for obtaining a B-1 visitor visa is very long and it can take months to obtain an appointment. This was not an option for Fernand Lopez who is the trainer of some of the best combat sports athletes in France. Since he is not from a country with ESTA visa waiver privileges, he must obtain a visa in order to come to the United States. 

In his case, we were able to expedite an appointment for a B-1 visa within 2 weeks of his request. He was able to obtain the visa in late December leaving plenty of time to make his travel arrangements to the United States to prepare for the World Championship bout. 

Jack Becker of Australia obtains B-1 appointment after denied ESTA

Typically, most mixed martial arts coaches travel from Europe and Australia on ESTA visa waivers to come to the United States to corner fighters in the UFC. This is very convenient because it's a very quick and inexpensive process that does not require an interview. On ESTA, a traveler can travel without a visa to the United States and stay for 60 to 90 days in most cases. 

In this instance, Jack Becker was unfortunately denied ESTA travel, which occurs frequently. However, this left him with no avenue to travel to the United States quickly to support his athlete. Once we were called, our law firm was able to obtain a B-1 interview within 5 days of his inquiry. This left enough time for his passport to be held with administrative processing and still be able to get the visa intime to the United States. On the B-1 visa, Jack Becker can stay in the United States for up to six months and be able to return on the same visa the next time he wants to come to the United States. 

UFC 270 Heavyweight World Championship Unification Event

Sherrod Sports Visas, and the entire World, are very much looking forward to this event and wish all athletes a safe experience. For more information on emergency appointments, do not hesitate to contact us at info@oaklg.com