'Stop blowing kisses in a pandemic': Octagon girl Brittney Palmer called out as UFC returns from Covid-19 hiatus

UFC octagon girl Brittney Palmer was told to "stop blowing kisses into the camera" during the organization's comeback show in Florida on Saturday night as some fans complained it was inappropriate amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UFC became the first major US sports organization to emerge from the Covid-19 chaos as it staged a stacked UFC 249 card behind closed doors at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, and Palmer ensured fans did not have to go without the familiar face of an octagon girl.

Debate had raged before the event about what the stripped-back version of fights during the coronavirus pandemic would mean for the UFC and its octagon girls, and whether they would be cageside to do the honors between rounds.

READ MORE: The UFC's commitment to its Octagon girls may be tested to the full by coronavirus chaos 

In the end, the UFC decided to dispense with its usual double-act of octagon stunners but still deemed their presence essential as Palmer, 33, worked alone. 

Palmer posted to her 1.1 million Instagram followers before the action began, saying that it "feels good to be back."

Her night's work was different to usual though as she wasn't asked to parade all sides of the octagon, given the lack of fans present.

However, some observers took issue with the maskless Palmer blowing kisses into the camera on the broadcast between rounds - complaining that it was inappropriate given the circumstances.

That was a message which Palmer acknowledged before switching to a 'heart' gesture.

Other fans questioned whether Palmer's presence was even required at all considering the lack of crowd - but were shut down by fellow fight fans. 

An eventful night of action saw bantamweight king Henry Cejudo cement his legacy with a stoppage of former to-time champion Dominick Cruz in the co-main event, before 'Triple C' announced he was retiring from the sport at the age of 33.

In the headliner, Justin Gaethje upset Tony Ferguson with a brutally clinical display to pick up the lightweight interim title and earn a shot at undefeated Russian destroyer Khabib Nurmagomedov.  

Coronavirus fears were raised before the event when Brazil's Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza and two of his cornermen tested positive for the deadly diseas, forcing his fight with Uriah Hall to be scrapped after the weigh-in on Friday.

READ MORE: Fighting with their fingers crossed: 'Jacare' Souza's positive test means the shadow of COVID-19 looms large over UFC 249 (VIDEO) 

However, the remaining fights went ahead as planned, and the UFC will continue its comeback on Wednesday before another night of action on Saturday.