Dana White breaks his silence as UFC 311 faces last minute rescheduling amid California wildfires
01/12/2025 03:30 PM
Dana White has admitted that the UFC will be forced to move next weekend’s pay-per-view event from Los Angeles if the California wildfires continue.
The promotion are beginning the new year with UFC 311 as Islam Makhachev makes a potentially historic lightweight title defence against Arman Tsarukyan. In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili defends his bantamweight belt for the first time against the unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov.
However, with deadly wildfires continuing to engulf parts of California, the event may have to be moved. They are planning to host the show at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood; where there have already been events moved amid safety concerns.
- Who is Dana White? All you need to know about the CEO and President of the UFC
Dana White speaks on potentially moving UFC 311 to Las Vegas
After Monday night’s NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, attention began to turn to UFC 311. Taking place just over a mile down the road at the new Intuit Dome, there are concerns for the event’s safety.
It had been reported by Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani that should the event be forced to move, Las Vegas was a frontrunner host city. It is the home of the UFC, and there even appears to be a free booking at the famed T-Mobile Arena.
And speaking with Kick Streamer Adin Ross on a recent broadcast, Dana White confirmed those reports. he told the controversial social media star: “Well if the fire gets bad we’re coming to Vegas… We’ll move it to Vegas if it gets too bad but as of now it’s all a go. NBA is going to go this week, we’re going to go.”
California State Athletic Commission boss makes statement on UFC 311
On Friday night, Helwani began to report about the prospect of the event being moved. UFC owner Ari Emmanuel has since lost his Los Angeles home to the fires, and it remains to be seen what will happen with the card.
As part of Friday’s episode of The Craic on Helwani’s Uncrowned network, host Petesy Carroll was sent a statement from California State Athletic Commission boss Andy Foster. “We are watching the ongoing wildfires and the subsequent emergency and disastrous response in the Los Angeles area,” Carroll read.
“Our hearts are with the residents of that region and we appreciate the efforts of First Responders in keeping the community safe.
“At this time, no decisions have been made about moving UFC 311 but we will continue to work with state and local officials and the UFC to determine the best course of action, thank you.”
- Who is Islam Makhachev?Step inside the life of the pound-for-pound best fighter on the planet
