UFC will be delaying its second visit to Perth amidst the deadly pandemic that currently plagues the globe. The schedule for UFC 251 originally read 6th June. But following Dana White’s announcement on 9th April, the Perth Arena now faces an indefinite date for the event.
The card held a host of potent fights. Rumors said that a rematch between Alexander “The Hulk” Volkanovski and Max “The Blessed” Holloway was to headline the event.
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The first bout between the two was extremely close, and ended with a decision in Alexander’s favor. Thus, while Holloway looked forward to regaining Featherweight gold, Volkanovski wanted to cement his victory over Holloway as an unquestionable one.
The following is the UFC’s official statement regarding the postponement.
“Due to current state and national restrictions on public gatherings and travel, UFC 251 originally scheduled for Perth, Western Australia on Sunday, June 7 has been postponed. UFC looks forward to returning to Perth in the near future with a PPV event in partnership with Tourism Western Australia. Fans can register their interest to receive date, ticketing and bout information at ufc.com/perth.”
UFC Kazakhstan also suffers the same fate
Rowing in the same boat, it appears as if Kazakhstan will have to wait a little longer for the debut event of the Ultimate Fighting Championship on its soil. Petr Yan and Marlon Moraes were to headline the event. However, the prevailing pandemic has put those plans on halt, too.
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Also read: “Maybe It’s Because I’m Not American” – Petr Yan Explains Why He Was Denied a Title Shot
UFC Kazakhstan will now have to wait another year or two to materialize on the same grounds. Many crucial bouts too faced cancellation because of the unfortunate turn of events.
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However, one bout will hopefully survive the pandemic and see the light of the day on 23rd May at UFC Jacksonville. According to MMA Fighting, Klidson Abreu and Jamahal Hill were originally on the Kazakhstan card. But the Light Heavyweights will now collide in the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.