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Dana White confirms ‘Fight Island’ details, including a literal octagon on a literal beach
It’s been a few months since we heard about Dana White’s so-called Fight Island—an isolated paradise where skulls could continue to crack like coconuts despite the coronavirus outbreak. One part 'Mortal Kombat,' one part 'Enter the Dragon,' the plan was the UFC at its most WWE, but few doubted that White could and would, out of pure stubbornness, make it happen. But then UFC 249 went down on the mainland and whispers of the island search went quiet. Perhaps Fight Island was too good to be true.
On Tuesday morning, however, Fight Island rose from the sea like a wet, glimmering Atlantis, as White joined ‘First Take’—an appropriate venue for announcing something as outlandish as a desert island dedicated solely for fisticuffs—to confirm plans for UFC 251, which will be held on Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Ladies and gentleman, we promise we tell you the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help us God.
According to White, the UFC worked with the government of Abu Dhabi to create a 10-square-mile safety zone on the island so, and we quote, “the whole COVID-19 thing is covered.” The safety zone will include hotels, training facilities, dining establishments, and, perhaps most important of all, an actual octagon on an actual beach. Getting the shit kicked out of you has never sounded so good.
All told, Fight Island will host full cards on July 11th, 15th, 18th, and 25th. The card for the 15th is already done, and will include Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway, Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo, Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas, and Amanda Ribas vs. Paige van Zant. Grab your trunks, sunscreen, and a Corona and get ready to rumble.