CES MMA 61 postponed due to coronavirus outbreak concerns

CES MMA 61 has been postponed.

The event follows dozens of recent cancelations and postponements from notable promotions due to the international coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The promotion did not state when or where the card would be rebooked – or if those logistics had even been figured out yet.

CES MMA 61 was supposed to take place April 24 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. The event was expected to stream on UFC Fight Pass. The promotion announced the news Thursday.

“Asking our fighters to prepare to compete knowing there is a great chance the event will not take place would be unfair and, most importantly, unhealthy,” CES promoter Jimmy Burchfield Jr. stated. “This adversity will pass, and CES MMA will return in 2020 greater than ever. Until then, we ask all of our fighters and fans to take caution, exercise common sense and stay safe.”

The event was not completely booked at the time of the postponement, however a handful of fights were announced. The main event was supposed to feature a flyweight title fight between champion Blaine Shutt (8-4 MMA) and DWCS alumnus Richie Santiago (8-2 MMA). UFC veterans Andre Soukhamthath (13-8 MMA), Kyle Bochniak (8-5 MMA), and Austin Arnett (16-7 MMA) were also booked to fight on the card.