We’re nearing a year since COVID-19 put the entire world on pause, forcing multiple lockdowns, travel restrictions and the halt to normal, everyday life as we know it. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was one of the many sports organizations who had to put business to a halt, but Dana White and Co. were the first to return to action a couple of months later.
Now he wants to have sold out arenas filled with rabid fans who haven’t been able to attend a live event in 11 months. After catching wind that the Las Vegas Knights hockey team is looking to allow fans back into the T-Mobile Arena next month, White looks to follow suit this summer.
“I got plans, too. I’m not doing a percentage – I want to sell out. It’s too nice over here (at the UFC Apex). I like it here. … I said on ESPN the other day that I was optimistic that by this summer we could be doing it, either in Florida or here,” White told the media (via MMA Junkie) during the UFC 258 post-fight presser.
Of course, Florida being an option is a no-brainer since “The Sunshine State” was good to White and Co. early on during the pandemic, hosting the promotion’s first three events upon its return to action in Jacksonville last May.
The promotion eventually started hosting events at UFC APEX in “Sin City” before unveiling “Fight Island” to the entire world. Speaking of which, the promotion did allow a limited amount of fans to attend the previous three events on “Fight Island” last month, including UFC 257 which featured the return of Conor McGregor.
With multiple COVID-19 vaccines now available to combat the spread of the deadly virus and several states easing up on it’s restrictions, what do you think the chances are of seeing White’s goals come to fruition?