THE UFC will have a “fight island” ready to stage events ready within a month, says president Dana White.
Originally set for Tachi Palace Hotel in California on April 18, UFC 249 became the most high-profile MMA event to be cancelled because of the coronavirus, when White finally axed it earlier this week.
The 50-year-old did so despite having bullishly insisted that it would take place in spite of the global pandemic – with Justin Gaethje fighting Tony Ferguson in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s place.
But following pressure from Disney and ESPN executives, White finally conceded and pulled the plug on the much-anticipated event.
The American remains desperate for the UFC to remain ahead of the curve in combating the effects of Covid-19, however, and has come up with an innovative idea to get fights going again within “a month”.
Plus, I can ship guys over there earlier, and they can start training over there, on the island.
Dana White
He told ESPN: “That’s why I’m telling all my guys not to worry because ‘Fight Island’ is gonna happen.
“All the infrastructure is being built right now and getting put in place. As we get closer to that, then I’ll start figuring out booking fights, getting guys ready.
“Plus, I can ship guys over there earlier, and they can start training over there, on the island.
“So, once that’s all in place – we’re looking at like a month – I’ll have that all put together, and guys can start training and can go there.
“I’m sure people are gonna be ready to get out of their houses in another month and go to an island somewhere and train.”
No one knows the location of the ‘Fight Island’, but fans have speculated that it could be off the coast of California.
White, who it is fair to say has had a torrid week, was eager to praise what would have been his venue for UFC 249.
He continued: “One thing I need to point out is that Tachi Palace in California, the Indian reservation, has had our back this whole time and has stood their ground and was willing to do this fight.
“Let me tell you this, when the world gets back to normal, the California event will be at Tachi Palace.
“I’m doing a fight there. I’m going to bring them a big fight, and I appreciate them standing with me in this thing.”
He then went on to deliver a rallying cry, assuring fans that his promotion would be returning to TV screens as soon as possible.
“We will be the first sport back,” he insisted.
“Fight Island is real. It’s a real thing. The infrastructure is being built right now and that’s really going to happen. It will be on ESPN.”
