NY Boots UFC 249 From Brooklyn

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was taking a “wait and see” approach to its upcoming mixed martial arts (MMA) fight cards, hoping that local governments would ease restrictions (like these) once the coronavirus pandemic was under control.

Unfortunately for Dana White and Co., that doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon. In fact, New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) recently informed the promotion that UFC 249: “Khabib vs. Ferguson” was getting tossed from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

MMA Fighting has the official word:

“Out of an abundance of caution and in line with recent guidance issued by the Center for Disease Control and New York State, the New York State Athletic Commission informed the UFC that UFC 249 cannot be held in NY.”

Bummer.

The world is running out of safe places, at least when it comes to large congregations of people. That said, there are locations that will be willing to host MMA events regardless of what’s happening stateside and UFC is currently exploring those options.

Goodbye Brooklyn, hello Dubai?