The head of the UFC, Dana White, revealed his intentions on Tuesday to organize UFC 249 on a private island. White has received backlash for persisting with fight events while most other sports leagues have ceased operations because of the global coronavirus crisis.
The upcoming UFC event is set to occur on 18 April. The primary attraction was supposed to be an intense lightweight clash between the unbeaten champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. However, the lineup had to be altered following Nurmagomedov’s choice not to depart from his isolation in Russia.
Instead, Ferguson is now slated to face Justin Gaethje. Speculations have circulated that Nurmagomedov’s decision might have been influenced by stringent US immigration restrictions, making it challenging to enter the nation. White’s proposal to host the event on a private island aims to facilitate the fighters’ access to the venue.
“I’m nearing the completion of a deal,” White informed the press. “So, this location where this bout will occur on 18 April, I have secured for two months, therefore I’ll be organizing matches continuously. I’ve also acquired an island. I’ve secured an island. The necessary facilities are currently under construction. We will hold all our international matches on this island…
“The UFC will soon be operational once again, both internationally and within the United States.”
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