A new report has let slip the expected location for the rescheduled, reconstructed UFC 249.
Per the Wrestling Observer Radio Show (featuring Dave Meltzer, also of MMA Fighting), the event, originally scheduled for Brooklyn, then California, is now set for Jacksonville, Florida. That report follows earlier news that the promotion was headed to Florida, with Nevada, its base of operations, remaining locked down. Combat sports in that state have been put on hold.
With Dana White’s Fight Island not yet operational, Florida was essentially the only option. Specifically, UFC 249 will take place at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, per the report. The 15,000 seat arena will be closed to fans, however. Instead, essential personnel only will be present.
The move comes as little surprise. Florida previously ruled professional sports leagues as “essential services” and has been one of the first states to re-open for business, even as the coronavirus pandemic continues to march along. The WWE and AEW, both professional wrestling promotions, have taped shows in the state during the pandemic — although it’s worth noting that, without the need for athletic commissions, both can produce shows with a smaller footprint than an MMA show would require.
UFC 249 is currently expected to be topped by Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje, for an interim lightweight championship. Francis Ngannou vs. Jair Rozenstruik, originally set to headline UFC on ESPN 8 in Columbus, Ohio last month, is also on the docket.
The UFC has yet to confirm the official location for the card.
