Uncertainty Surrounds UFC 311 Due to Devastating California Fires
The highly anticipated UFC 311 event, scheduled to take place in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, is facing uncertainty due to the devastating fires ravaging the state. Despite being just days away from the event, it remains unclear whether the venue will be changed.
Dana White’s Stance on the Situation
UFC President Dana White has expressed his desire to keep the event at its original location, but acknowledges that the situation is fluid. In an interview with Adin Ross, White stated, “If the fire gets worse, we will go to Las Vegas… Yes, we will move it to Las Vegas. If it gets too bad. But everything is ready. The NBA is going to start this week. Let’s go.”
Well, if the fire gets worse, we’ll go to Las Vegas… Yes, we’ll move it to Las Vegas
Contingency Plans in Place
According to reports, the UFC has a backup plan in place, with the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas available as an alternative venue on Saturday, the 18th. However, the organization’s primary goal is to proceed with the original plan.
The Reality on the Ground
The situation in California is dire, with several areas evacuated and a fire currently burning just 30 kilometers from the Intuit Dome. Local authorities have reported 16 fatalities due to the forest fires, making it a challenging and unpredictable environment.
California State Athletic Commission’s Stance
The California State Athletic Commission has stated that no decision has been made regarding the event’s venue, leaving the door open for a potential change.
UFC 311: A Highly Anticipated Event
UFC 311 is set to be the first numbered event of the year, featuring Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight title against Arman Tsarukyan. The co-main event will see Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s cousin and Makhachev’s teammate.