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After wrapping up the UFC on ESPN 8: “Overeem vs. Harris” event this Sat. night (May 16), the promotion was expected to return the following weekend (May 23) for yet another combat sports offering; however, that date is likely to be rescheduled for May 30.
That’s according to a report from MMA Junkie.
UFC has been trying to work its way back to the APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, after a string of shows at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, including tonight’s “Smith vs. Teixeira” event on ESPN+ (more on that here).
The May 23 fight card was tentatively headlined by the welterweight showdown between Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns, with women’s flyweight phenom Mackenzie Dern joining the line up to battle Hannah Cifers. No word yet on whether or not those bouts are still intact.
Las Vegas remains shut down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which is how UFC ended up in Jacksonville in the first place. In addition, pandemic restrictions around the world have made it difficult for athletes to train, as well as travel.
The sooner “Fight Island” is up and running, the better.