According to a report by The New York Times, UFC 249 has a home – and it is not on a private island.
Citing three sources familiar with the decisions, the report states UFC 249 on April 18 will take place from Lemoore, California and Tachi Palace Casino Resort. The site is some 40 miles south of Fresno on land owned by the Tachi-Yokut Tribe, part of the federally recognized Santa Rosa Indian Community.
UFC 249 is happening at the Tachi Palace Casino Resort near Fresno, Calif., on tribal land in an end run around state regulators and public health guidelines. The casino has been closed since March 20. @kevinmdraper: https://t.co/v5yVYWMc78
— Oskar Garcia (@oskargarcia) April 7, 2020
The casino has been closed since late in March due to the coronavirus.
The card will feature Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. Ferguson, of course, was originally scheduled to face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the belt.
UFC president Dana White previously stated that he would be holding two months worth of fights at the location of UFC 249, while many believed it to be a private island at that time. It is likely knowing White he had multiple options in the works.
News of the decision was first reported by Jeff Sherwood.
Next 4 UFC’s at the @TPFmma @Tachipalace #iToldYouFirst @ufc @danawhite #UFC249
— Sherdog (@TheSherdoggy) April 6, 2020
Along with Ferguson vs. Gaethje, Jessica Andrade meets Rose Namajunas and Greg Hardy will be in action.
ICYMI: Your entire #UFC249 card has arrived! ? pic.twitter.com/qIevXfG2Iu
— UFC (@ufc) April 7, 2020
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