UFC pegs island as fight site amid crisis

In addition to a secure location in the United States, UFC commissioner Dana White said he locked down another spot where international fighters would be able to fight during the coronavirus pandemic: An island.

“I’ll tell you this, I’m this close to getting a deal done,” White said Tuesday of UFC 249 getting the green light for the scheduled April 18 card.

“So, this place where this fight is going to be on April 18, I have locked up for two months, so I’m going to continue to pump fights out. I also secured an island. I’ve got an island. The infrastructure is being built right now. We’re going to do all of our international fights on this island.”

White told ESPN he would use the U.S. location for UFC 249.

International fighters who aren’t permitted to fly into the U. S. would instead be flown to the undisclosed island location, White said.

“So, when we do this fight April 18, international and in the United States, we’re going to start cranking. The UFC will be back up and running, internationally and here in the States,” White said.

UFC 249 will be available on ESPN+ and White remains steadfast he will be back to full cards sooner than other leagues will return.

He did not go into detail on any precautionary measures or medical clearance the federal government or UFC will require during the fights, but for now the events are being run without live audiences.

“Health and safety is something we worry about all the time, not just during the coronavirus,” White said.

Justin Gaethje will match up with Tony Ferguson in the main event at UFC 249, White announced Monday.