UFC 249 Will Reportedly Take Place on Tribal Land in California, State Commission Will Not Participate

It looks like UFC 249 is proceeding as Dana White insisted it would. But, it’s being reported that the April 18th card will not be overseen by a state athletic commission.

UFC 249 is reportedly taking place at Tachi Palace Resort and Casino

On Monday, the UFC announced that Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje are going to battle for an interim lightweight title at UFC 249, before announcing the entire card. The promotion did not, however, announce where the event is taking place.

Since then, veteran MMA journalist Jeff Sherwood reported that the event will be hosted by the Tachi Palace Resort and Casino, which is located close to Lemoore, California. The casino is located on the land of the Tachi-Yokut Tribe. 

More recently, the New York Times also reported that according to sources, the April 18th event will take place at the aforementioned casino. The venue has hosted many MMA events over the years, some of which have been overseen by the California State Athletic Commission.

But, the story also includes the following statement from the commission, which has confirmed it will not oversee UFC 249.

“The commission echoes the guidance of California Governor Gavin Newsom, the Department of Public Health, local health officials, and the recommendations of the Association of Ringside Physicians regarding the cancellation of events where people may be at risk of contracting Covid-19 and encourages the industry to do the same.

The commission will not participate in the U.F.C. event on April 18, regardless of the event location.”

Now, it’s very likely that the UFC knew that the state commission likely wouldn’t agree to regulate the event. So, this news probably won’t impact whether the card proceeds.

Association of Ringside Physicians’ statement

And in terms of the statement from the Association of Ringside Physicians? Which the CSAC mentioned?

Here it is:

“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.”

Now, White has insisted that the UFC is going to take every precaution to ensure fighters and people attending the event are kept safe. But, as this is being written, no specific details have been released.

So, depending on what those details are, opposition to the UFC holding the event under these circumstances could grow.