Dana White says UFC community could end up living on Fight Island if Nevada shuts down

UFC president Dana White has claimed that the UFC Fight Island might turn into a more permanent home for all involved with the promotion over the next few months given the COVID-19 crisis in the USA. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the UFC has been one of the few sports organisations in the USA that has been able to return to a relatively normal schedule, with events being hosted in Jacksonville and Las Vegas. However, with UFC 251 taking place at UFC Fight Island (Abu Dhabi) last weekend, Dana White has suggested that a few more events could be held at Yas Island.

ALSO READ: EA Sports UFC 4 To Be Blamed For Jorge Masvidal's Loss To Usman? 'Curse Theory' Trends

Dana White on UFC Fight Island becoming a 'more permanent home'

While speaking to reporters prior to UFC Fight Night 172, Dana White revealed that upcoming events planned at the Apex Center in Las Vegas may end up happening on Fight Island instead. The previous five UFC events prior to UFC 251, were aired at the Apex Center in Las Vegas but Dana White has cast doubt over UFC 252 being held in Nevada due to the coronavirus pandemic. There are still two more events coming up in the next 9 days on Yas Island and White has hinted that the organisation might be back on UFC Fight Island sooner rather than later.

ALSO READ: Dana White Believes Jorge Masvidal Vs Conor McGregor Would Be Biggest Fight In UFC History

“If Nevada shuts down and doesn’t allow us to host fights, we might spend more time in Abu Dhabi", White added, before labelling UFC Fight Island as his 'backup plan'. The 50-year-old went on to state that there is no possible timescale when businesses can return to normal as UFC plans might change, despite booking dates and events for fights. Dana White also praised Abu Dhabi for its safety protocol branding the UAE capital as the 'safest city in the world'.

ALSO READ: Jorge Masvidal Reacts To UFC 251 Being One Of The Biggest Cards Since Khabib Vs Conor

UFC Fight Night live stream: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez 2 date

On Saturday, 18 July, 2 pm ET (Sunday, 5:30 am IST) the UFC Fight Night main event will witness Deiveson Figueiredo vs Joseph Benavidez 2. Figueiredo vs Benavidez 2 will go down at the Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi. Deiveson Figueiredo came out victorious when the two faced each other on UFC Fight Night 169. UFC Fight Night live telecast in India will be available on Sony LIV. UFC Fight Night live stream in the USA will be available on pay-per-view, exclusively through ESPN+.

ALSO READ: Conor McGregor Abuses Nate Diaz On Twitter For UFC 251 Review, Deletes Post Later

UFC Fight Night results: UFC Fight Night 172

UFC Fight Night 172 took place on Thursday, July 15 at Yas Island. Here are the UFC Fight Night results:

• Jack Shore vs. Aaron Phillips - Bantamweight, Winner: Jack Shore
• Diana Belbita vs. Liana Jouja - Women’s Flyweight,  Winner: Liana Jouja
• Jared Gordon vs. Chris Fishgold - Featherweight, Winner: Jared Gordon
• Modestas Bukauskas vs. Andreas Michailidis - Light Heavyweight, Winner: Modestas Bukauskas
• Ricardo Ramos vs. Lerone Murphy - Featherweight, Winner: Lerone Murphy
• Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Mounir Lazzez - Welterweight, Winner: Mounir Lazzez
• Molly McCann vs. Talia Santos - Women’s Flyweight, Winner: Talia Santos
• Jimmie Rivera vs. Cody Stamann - Featherweight, Winner: Jimmie Rivera
• Tim Elliott vs. Ryan Benoit - Flyweight, Winner: Tim Elliott
• Calvin Kattar vs. Dan Ige - Featherweight, Winner: Calvin Kattar

Image Credits - AP