Amid the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will hold “UFC 249” at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, United States on May 9, 2010. It will be headlined by Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson, 36, of Ventura, California, USA and Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, 31, of Jacksonville, Colorado, USA.
“As we move step-by-step on the path toward economic recovery, we are proud to host these UFC events at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena,” Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said. “The UFC organization is a renowned entertainment brand that’s presented a safe and sensible plan to use this Jacksonville location, and we are thrilled to have our city highlighted nationally on ESPN and ESPN+. With Jacksonville continuing to outpace other cities and regions, we are excited to continue to lead as host to these world-class, international sports entertainment organizations.”
Built in 2003, the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is owned by the city of Jacksonville. It is sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in the city.
“I can’t wait to deliver some great fights for the fans, “UFC president Dana White stated. “I want to give a big thanks to Mayor Curry, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and Florida State Boxing Commission executive director Patrick Cunningham for getting this thing done and giving us a venue to put on these incredible cards, as well our media partners including ESPN and ESPN+, for bringing it to fans. My team is ready to go and the fighters are excited to get back in there with these back-to-back events.”
ESPN will broadcast “UFC 249” live. In the main event, Ferguson and Gaethje will compete for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship belt.
Including the title bout between Ferguson and Gaethje, “UFC 249” will feature 12 bouts. Dominick “The Dominator” Cruz, 35, of San Diego, California will challenge reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion Henry “The Messenger” Cejudo, 33, of Phoenix, Arizona, USA in the co-main event.
The most recent event held by the UFC was “UFC Fight Night 170,” which took place at the Ginásio Nilson Nelson in Brasília, Brazil on March 14, 2020. Like “UFC Fight Night 170,” “UFC 249” in an empty arena with no fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After “UFC 249,” the UFC will hold two more events at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. These will be on May 13, 2020 and May 16, 2020.
CONAN Daily 