Dana White prepared for UFC 'Fight Island' return if Las Vegas closes as COVID-19 cases surge

ABU DHABI – “Fight Island” is here to stay.

According to UFC president Dana White, the promotion is planning on holding more events on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi later this year after the conclusion of the promotion’s current July run of four events in 15 days.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday ahead of UFC on ESPN 13, White wouldn’t officially confirm a timeline for a “Fight Island” return. However, he declared the UFC will come back to Yas Island.

“Not officially, but yes, we’re going to have another run of events out here,” White said. “If you look at what’s going on in the world, like I told you guys before, I don’t see this changing anytime soon.”

With COVID-19 numbers rising in the U.S., White stressed the importance of being prepared for another shutdown of events in Nevada. If it comes to that, White said the UFC’s August schedule could shift from the Apex in Las Vegas to Yas Island.

“We’re thinking about (a backup plan) now,” White said. “My backup plan would be ‘Fight Island.’ We might be living here. … Anything is possible. If Nevada shuts down and doesn’t allow us to do fights in Nevada, yeah, I’m going to be spending a lot of time in Abu Dhabi.”

When asked about potential event cancellations or postponements, White added, “I hope not. I hope not, no. Listen, we’ve proved we can do these things in Nevada or anywhere – safely. Hopefully we keep getting to do what we do in Nevada, and we can keep coming to Abu Dhabi for international fights. That’s what I’m hoping. But yes, I’m thinking about what happens if we get shut down and what’s next.”

The promotion held its first “Fight Island” event this past Saturday with UFC 251. The promotion will hold UFC on ESPN 13 on Wednesday, followed by events on Saturday and July 25.