CSAC shuts down all combat sports events through May, including UFC San Diego

If the UFC still plans on promoting an event on May 16, they’ll need a new location.

On Thursday, California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster confirmed to MMA Fighting that the commission has officially shut down all combat sports events in the state through the end of May due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

As previously reported, Bellator postponed a trio of upcoming shows – including two scheduled for May 9 and May 29 in California – on the expectation of a shutdown of combat sports events in the Golden State through the end of next month. But the UFC had a card scheduled in San Diego on May 16.

Now that location has been scrapped, and the UFC will have to attempt to find a new venue if they want to move forward with that card.

California has been one of the states hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak with more than 10,000 confirmed cases and 200 deaths.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission also hit the pause button on any upcoming combat sports events. The commission was originally expected to revisit the subject in late March, but a hearing on the matter was cancelled to observe social distancing recommendations for the virus.

All major MMA promotions have altered schedules due to the coronavirus pandemic. Bellator postponed all of its shows through May, the PFL delayed the start of their season indefinitely, and regional events have come to a halt. The UFC, meanwhile, has said it will continue on with its schedule, though the promotion will need to find new venues with options limited across the United States.

The upcoming UFC Fight Night card in San Diego is expected to be headlined by a lightweight clash between Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker.