White Confirms Vegas Return For UFC
Despite the fact that the Nevada Athletic Commission has not lifted its ban on combat sports in the state, UFC President Dana White has it on good authority the promotion will be welcomed back with open arms.
White told The Las Vegas Review-Journal that the UFC will be returning to the APEX Center on May 30. The main event of that fight card is reportedly Tyron Woodley v. Gilbert Burns in a welterweight bout.
“We are a go on the 30th,” White stated.
Back in March, the Nevada Athletic Commission barred combat sports from taking place until the end of the month. The commission was supposed to convene again but canceled the meeting. It was a part of the stay-at-home order that was in play due to the coronavirus. Boxing is also looking to return to Nevada in June and July. The commission has not guaranteed that boxing and MMA will be returning but there have been some positive signs.
The office of Governor Sisolak responded to an inquiry from MMA Fighting regarding the idea of the UFC coming back home. This is what was stated:
“As stated last week, the Governor’s Office is working with the Local Empowerment Advisory Panel (LEAP), state agencies, local leaders, public health experts and the business community to continue developing guidelines for the potential Phase 2 reopening.
“As a reminder, at this time, the State of Nevada is still evaluating the data since Phase 1 reopening began on May 9.”
With limited options and a determination to hold events, White was able to secure Florida as the state has deemed sports an essential business. The UFC held UFC 249 and two other events. With testing done, there was only one scare of COVID-19, as Ronaldo Souza and his team tested positive. The events were still able to take place.
If Nevada wasn’t available, White stated Arizona would be another option. Another event coming up that could take place in the APEX Center would be UFC 250, which features Amanda Nunes defending the UFC Featherweight Title against Felicia Spencer.
Here is the rumored card for the May 30 event:
- Woodley v. Burns
- Augusto Sakai v. Blagoy Ivanov
- Mackenzie Dern v. Hannah Cifers
- Klidson Abreu v. Jamahal Hill