UFC, boxing back on in Vegas after Nevada approves return

Mixed martial arts and boxing are back in business in Nevada.

Nevada Athletic Commission unanimously agreed during a teleconference Wednesday to allow two UFC events and two Top Rank boxing shows in Las Vegas over next two weeks.

decision ends moratorium on combat sports that has been in place in Nevada since March 14, when commission stopped competition amid coronavirus pandemic.

UFC immediately confirmed its plans to st a show without fans in attendance Saturday night at UFC Apex arena on its expansive corporate complex in Las Vegas, followed by UFC 250 pay-per-view show at same place June 6.

Top Rank is expected to hold boxing shows at MGM Grand on June 9 and June 11.

Citing importance of sports to state's ecomy and morale, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak anunced Tuesday night that sporting events could return if promoters followed health rules approved by appropriate authorities.

commission on Wednesday approved stringent coronavirus safety protocols to accompany return of combat sports to ir hometown. UFC and Top Rank have worked closely with commission in recent weeks to create protocols, according to Bob Bennett, commission's executive director.

UFC std three shows in Jacksonville, Florida, earlier this month while waiting to get approval from Nevada commission to return to its hometown. UFC is expected to st several domestic cards in Las Vegas over upcoming weeks, and President Dana White still intends to hold or shows on a private island for fighters t based in U.S.

UFC show Saturday will be headlined by former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley facing Gilbert Burns.

main event of UFC 250 on June 6 features dominant two-division champion Amanda Nunes defending her fearweight belt against Canadian challenger Felicia Spencer.