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UFC 249 finally has a confirmed location. With a health crisis shutting down the world, it looked impossible. Originally set for Brooklyn’s Barclay Center, the card has experienced blow after blow. First of all, New York shut down and then Khabib Nurmagamedov got trapped in Russia.

However, UFC President Dana White has remained bullish throughout this time. He was adamant that the event would still go ahead on April 18, with Justin Gaethje brought in to replace Khabib. It’s been a rollercoaster ride. But an end is in sight.

There was even talk that it would take place on a private island, but that is not the case. The New York Times has confirmed that UFC 249 will take place on Indian lands at the Tachi Palace Casino. White has divided critics. But somehow he got it done. You’ve got to take your hat off to him.

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Tachi Palace

Speaking on conditions of anonymity, sources confirmed that UFC 249 will take place at the Tachi Palace Casino Resort, near Lemoore, California. The UFC has not spoken yet. The Tachi-Yokut Tribe owns the tribal grounds. They are part of the federally recognized Santa Rosa Indian Community.

Holding the event on tribal grounds circumvents the need for state approval. They also don’t need the approval of the California State Athletic Commission so it will be fascinating to see who sanctions it. The casino has a rich association with MMA as they held Tachi Palace Fights from 2009-2018.

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Common Sense

The Association of Medical Ringside Officials has called for common sense. They believe that it is irresponsible to hold an event in the current climate. Don’t forget, it’s not just the risk of spreading the virus. It’s also the fact that fighters will have to go to the hospital after fighting. This puts an avoidable strain on medical facilities.

“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,” the association said “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.”

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Trouble Brewing

White has also rattled the CSAC. Normally promotions try to stay on the good side of promotions. There could be problems in the future by completing bypassing them. The CSAC also issued a statement. In short, they basically said the same thing.

“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.”

Why White has made this his personal crusade, we don’t know. The UFC President is ridiculously stubborn. But he has got it done. So we have to give him some credit. The card also promises violence with a brilliant main event. However, you can bet that Justin Gaethje will win. The MMA Gods have cursed Tony v Khabib.

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