UFC APEX Center To Reportedly Host A Number Of Events

As the UFC looks to hold events outside of the United States on “Fight Island“, the organization will also be looking into holding events in its home of Las Vegas.

Dana White sent out an email statement to Variety regarding plans to hold events in May at the UFC APEX Center in Nevada.

“We built the APEX facility next door just in time to save the day from this pandemic,” White stated. “Live fights will be produced out of there starting next month and for the foreseeable future.”

Currently, Nevada is under a stay-at-home order, shutting down all non-essential businesses. It was extended to April 30 by Governor Steve Sisolak, and the UFC is expecting restrictions to be eased within the next few weeks.

White has been assigned by Donald Trump to a special committee to help jumpstart the United States economy. The President is hoping to have the country back up and running by May 1, with White looking to host an event on May 9. The 130,000 square-foot production facility may be one of the first locations White will be able to use. One of the entities the UFC may have to get past, however, is the Nevada Athletic Commission. The commission initially suspended all combat sports until March 25. When they were supposed to meet again it was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

The APEX Center was opened in 2019, right near UFC headquarters. Events like The Ultimate Fighter have taken place inside the building. If the building is not available for fights, Florida could be an option. The state and its Governor deemed WWE an “essential business”, as well as other major sports. The UFC would need to get accepted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

“Fight Island” is a backup plan for fighters unable to enter the United States due to the coronavirus. Fights currently being considered for a May card include Tony Ferguson v. Justin Gaethje, Henry Cejudo v. Dominick Cruz and Amanda Nunes v. Felicia Spencer.