LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 14: Dana White meets the press after Vegas 67 at UFC Apex for UFC … [+]
UFC 311 is still scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Saturday, January 18, for now. However, as the fires in California continue to rage and affect the area, the possibility of moving the event to another location has been discussed.
According to longtime combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani, there are some important updates and details regarding the impact of the fires on the event.
“The UFC has been in talks about the status of UFC 311 next weekend, I’m told,” Helwani wrote in an X post on Friday, January 10.
“UFC 311 is currently scheduled for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Of course, that region is facing a devastating fire crisis right now. The NFL announced yesterday that they will move the Rams x Vikings playoff game scheduled for Monday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to Glendale, Ariz. For now, 311 is staying with Intuit. The hope is that it will stay there. But they are monitoring and are ready to move the card, if necessary. There is no talk of card delay. Of course, that call should happen soon. The event is eight days away. Vegas would be first. Note: T-Mobile Arena is not booked next Saturday, January 18.”
The fighters involved on the card probably wouldn’t be too bothered by the move. It’s a one hour and 15 minute flight from LAX to Las Vegas International Airport. Because the UFC Performance Institute is also in Las Vegas, the athletes on the card will likely receive additional support to prepare for PI
The UFC will likely have to refund tickets to fans who have already purchased a seat at the Intuit Dome. Some sort of transfer could be handled for fans who are able to make the fight to Vegas if it were to be moved.
Fans who wanted to attend the event will be most negatively affected, as most will likely miss out on seeing the event live.
On a much more important note, White and the UFC have already pledged and offered voluntary support to the people and regions affected by the fires. White appeared on social networks to make it known that he and the UFC were at the service of the region.
Here’s to hoping the wildfires are brought under control sooner rather than later, and if the people of Los Angeles are able to enjoy the presence of the UFC in their region after this natural disaster, hopefully the event serves as a positive break from a difficult reality.
What’s next for the UFC?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 10: (L-R) Opponents Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas of Brazil square off … [+]
It’s been three weeks but it feels like two months since the UFC had an event. While the main event Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas at UFC Vegas 101 isn’t one of the most star-studded Fight Night matches you’ll ever see, it’s action from the promotion’s no. 1 of MMA in the world.
Here’s a look at the card and the weigh-in results.
- Mackenzie Dern (116) vs. Amanda Ribas (116)
- Santiago Ponzinibbio (171) vs. Carlston Harris (170)
- Abdul Razak Alhassan (185.5) vs. Cesar Almeida (185.5)
- Chris Curtis (185.5) vs. Roman Kopylov (185.5)
- Christian Rodriguez (145) vs. Austin Bashi (145.5)
- Uros Medic (171) vs. Punahele Soriano (171)
- Jose Johnson (128.5)* vs. Felipe Bunes (126)
- Marco Tulio (185.5) vs. Ihor Potieria (188)*
- Thiago Moises (155.5) vs. Trey Ogden (155.5)
- Preston Parsons (171) vs. Jacob Smith (170.5)
- Ernesta Kareckaite (126) vs. Nicolle Caliari (125.5)
- Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (205) vs. Bruno Lopes (205.5)
- Fatima Kline (116) vs. Victoria Dudakova (116)
- Nurullo Aliev (155.5) vs. Joe Solecki (155)
* Weight lost
