REPORTS: Does UFC 249 Finally Have a Location?

UFC 249 may finally have a venue. And it’s just where we all thought. Florida.

Even though nothing is official just yet, veteran journalist Dave Meltzer reported that the event will take place in Jacksonville, Florida. He said,

“It looks like it’s going to be the [VyStar] Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville,”

Now, while there is no official confirmation regarding these reports, Meltzer seems pretty precise and confident about the report. He has a long-standing history of good journalism in the fields of pro-wrestling and mixed martial arts. Moreover, he is well connected within the MMA community.

Thus, in order to verify these reports, Meltzer phoned up his contacts. And good news awaited him at the other end. Regarding the confirmation of the reports, and whether he was supposed to disclose the location, he said,

“I think it’s disclosed then. They’ve actually told fighters that they’re flying into Jacksonville…but there are people in Jacksonville that have to book a building. That’s where it looks like it’s going to be. It’s right across from Daily’s Place [Amphitheater].” [Transcript credits- Sherdog.com]

Will UFC 249 finally come through?

The coronavirus induced uncertainty regarding UFC 249 has kept fans at the edge of their seats. Ever since two months prior to the event, Dana White promised fans that the event will definitely come through.

Even though a lot of rumors regarding its cancellation kept circling social media, the UFC President maintained his stance. And he almost made well on his promises.

However, UFC is not the only body that is involved in conducting these events. The higher-ups at ESPN, the UFC’s broadcasting partner, asked Dana White to step down. And Dana White, keeping the great relations he has with ESPN, obliged.

On 10 April, in an interview with Bret Okamoto with ESPN, Dana White broke the news to his fans and employees. However, just a few days later, he announced that UFC 249 will take place on 9 May.

The majority of the rumors regarding the venue pointed towards Florida. And the new report further solidifies the credibility of these reports. However, it will all be for naught if some institution causes trouble for the UFC yet again, even though sports events closed to the normal public are considered to be “essential services” in Florida.

Do you think we will finally witness the much-awaited UFC 249?