Tony Ferguson (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

The UFC has yet to officially announce the location of its April 18th card, but according to new reports, UFC 249 will take place on tribal land in California, and without state commission oversight.

UFC 249 was originally set to take place in Brooklyn, New York. But due to bans on public gatherings in the state, on account of the coronavirus pandemic, the promotion began looking for a new location.

Recently veteran MMA journalist Jeff Sherwood reported that UFC 249 will take place at the Tachi Palace Casino Resort, nearby Lemoore, California. The New York Times has since been told by sources that the event will be hosted at the casino, which is located on the land of the Tachi-Yokut Tribe.

The California State Athletic Commission has confirmed that it will not be overseeing the event, however, as the report includes this statement.

“The commission echoes the guidance of California Governor Gavin Newsom, the Department of Public Health, local health officials, and the recommendations of the Association of Ringside Physicians regarding the cancellation of events where people may be at risk of contracting Covid-19 and encourages the industry to do the same. The commission will not participate in the U.F.C. event on April 18, regardless of the event location.”

The Association of Ringside Physicians recently shared out this statement, regarding events being held with the pandemic ongoing.

“Any combat sport taking place during this global pandemic places the athletes, officials, and anyone else involved in the event under unnecessary risk of infection and transmission of Covid-19,” the association said in a statement. “In addition, combat sports athletes often require medical attention after a bout, and we do not wish to see any additional strain on an already overwhelmed medical system.”

UFC President Dana White has said the promotion is going to take steps to ensure health and safety at UFC 249 and upcoming events. No details, however, have been announced.

The Tachi Palace Resort and Casino has hosted many MMA cards over the years, including multiple events for the WEC.