“I Can Ship Guys Over There” – Dana White Reveals Plans to Restart UFC on Fight Island

UFC 249 is officially off. Dana White stood down after higher-ups from broadcast partner ESPN requested him to do so. The UFC put out a statement on its website. It read, “While the organization was fully prepared to proceed with UFC 249, ESPN has requested the postponement of the event and subsequent bouts until further notice in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. UFC looks forward to resuming the full live events schedule as soon as possible.”

“It’s Crazy”- Jorge Masvidal Shares His Take on Dana White’s Fight Island

Dana White reveals Fight Island will be ready in a month

The only possible scenario for fights to take place is on the Fight Island. This was a location the UFC President reportedly secured to host international flights. On ESPN MMA, Brett Okamoto put forth the all-important question to Dana White. He asked him when will Fight Island be ready for events.

“Fights Island’s still going to happen. All the infrastructure is being built right now and being 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 you’re looking at like at a month. I’ll have that all put together,” said White. 

White believes people will be ready to get out of their houses after a month and his events can go ahead.

He also went on to explain the concept of Fight Island. It is a location for the UFC to host international fighters who will not be able to fly into the United States amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. He explains that the UFC is a global promotion whose talent will be “smoked” if only US-based fighters compete until the situation gets back to normal. 

“We need to do both,” said White referring to local and International Fights.

With his location for local fights off, it remains to be seen whether the UFC 249 card will be one of the first ones to take place on Fight Island.

White added he needs a thumbs up from the broadcaster to go ahead. Will he get one from ESPN for his ambitious Mortal Kombatesque Fight Island?