UFC 249: ABC Comments On Event Going Forward, Regulations

The UFC is moving ahead with UFC 249, taking the event to privately-owned land in California.

While not officially announced yet, the card is scheduled for next Saturday from Tachi Palace Casino Resort in Lemoore, California.

Tony Ferguson is expected to meet Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title, while former women’s champions Jessica Andrade and Rose Namajunas meet for a second time.

While commissions have put a pause on combat sports, the UFC is still going forward with the event. The Association of Ringside Physicians released a statement earlier this week (thanks to The MMA Report for the statements):

“The Association of Ringside Physicians has been actively following the recommendations of the CDC as well as other professional medical societies concerned with the spread of COVID-19, or novel coronavirus,” the statement said. “Sporting events across the world have been canceled in response to the increased risk of infection and transmission by participants, fans, officials, and support staff.

“It is our recommendation that all combat sporting events be postponed until further notice. This includes any and all events, regardless of the number of people involved. Any combat sport taking place during this global pandemic places the athletes, officials, and anyone else involved in the event under unnecessary risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19.

“In addition, combat sports athletes often require medical attention after a bout, and we do not wish to see any additional strain on an already overwhelmed medical system. We continue to monitor this ever-evolving situation, and our thoughts continue to be with those who have been and will be affected by this disease. Our organization remains steadfast in our mission: to serve, protect, and educate all involved in combative sports.”

The site also received a statement from the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports Board of Directors about the event:

“The Association of Boxing Commission and Combative Sports (ABC) Board of Directors are very concern with an event being on tribal land without the regulation by a tribal/state athletic commission,” the statement said. “The ABC concurs with the Association of Ringside Physicians that it’s a very trying time for the entire world. Fighter safety is paramount.

“If the fight occurs, it will be considered a non-sanctioned event since a state/tribal commission will not be present. All officials that decide to participate in the event, they may be sanctioned on a tribal/state level.”

Since that time, ABC President Brian Dunn informed The MMA Report that the UFC has agreed to ramp up medical presence and regulate the event under international standards. This is nothing new, as it typically happens anytime they hold a card overseas.

“I have discussed the matter with the ABC Board of Directors and officials from the UFC,” Dunn told The MMA Report. “They agreed to increase medical presence and regulate the event by international standards. The official ABC position is neutral on the matter, as we do have jurisdiction.”