UFC president Dana White has finally capitulated to the realities of the coronavirus era. While the NBA and NHL suspended their regular seasons, the NCAA canceled March Madness, Major League Baseba…
White had already canceled three events in late March and early April, so he was doing everything he could to make UFC 249, the April 18 event featuring an interim lightweight title bout between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje, happen.
The event was first scheduled at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with Ferguson facing the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov. But Nurmagomedov had trouble getting out of his native Dagestan and gaining entry to the U.S., so he was replaced by Gaethje.Amid that turmoil, UFC 249 was moved. White at one point said he had secured a private island where fighters having trouble getting into the U.S. could still face off.
Finally, White settled on Tachi Palace Casino Resort in Lemoore, California. Although the California State Athletic Commission had cancelled all combat sporting events through May 31, Tachi Palace is located on tribal lands and so not subject to the CSAC’s jurisdiction. But the final blow came today, when White revealed that those at “the highest level you can go at Disney, and the highest level at ESPN” had called and asked him to relent.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dan Levy Taps Thom Browne for ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Wedding Finale“I like to showcase these people in any way possible….We need more people like this in the world…bravo to Dan…bravo for his bravery and leadership,” Browne said.
Read more »
AT&T Taps Former RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie to Lead Lobbying EffortsAT&T has hired Ed Gillespie, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee and an aide to President George W. Bush, to serve as senior executive vp for external and legislative affairs
Read more »
UFC Vows to Keep Fighting Despite CoronavirusThe coronavirus pandemic has forced sports leagues around the world to shut down, but the company behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship has vowed to keep holding fights for cable and pay-per-view audiences.
Read more »
UFC 249 canceled, all events on hold indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemicThe UFC has finally waved the white flag on doing fights during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
UFC 249 canceled after ESPN, Disney halt promotion's plansUFC 249 has been canceled after ESPN and parent company Disney stopped UFC President Dana White's plan to keep fighting amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
UFC Schedules Fights on California Tribal Land to Skirt Coronavirus Stay-at-Home OrderThe UFC is already on the hook for billions and appears willing to do anything to get back in the ring.
Read more »