Dana White reveals proposed UFC London event on March 19 depends on ‘Covid restrictions’ staying ‘normal’ in UK
UFC boss Dana White has revealed the promotion's long-awaited return to London will depend on 'Covid restrictions' in the UK staying 'normal'
The MMA leader hasn't held an event in the United Kingdom since their 2019 show at London's O2 Arena.
A number of Brits currently have fights in the pipeline for March, the month the UFC traditionally make their annual visit to London.
And SunSport understands the promotion are indeed eyeing a return to the O2 on March 19.
But White insists the UFC's long-awaited return to the English capital will hinge on restrictions on mass gatherings not being imposed in the coming months.
During the UFC 269 pre-fight press conference, he told SunSport: "It's gonna depend on how this stuff plays out.
"As long as these Covid restrictions can stay normal, we can start travelling internationally again other than Abu Dhabi.
"So we'll see how this all plays out over the next couple of months.
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"We're talking new strains and all this kind of stuff. So we'll see what happens."
The last UFC event held in the UK was headlined by a welterweight showdown between the pride of Liverpool Darren Till and Jorge Masvidal.
The promotion were due to return to London due to the pandemic.
That show was scheduled to be headlined by a 170lb showdown between Birmingham bruiser Leon Edwards and former welterweight champ Tyron Woodley.
The pandemic, however, didn't stop UK-based fighters from competing.
The UFC kept their international fighters active with three stints on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, which was promotionally dubbed Fight Island.
Abu Dhabi has been a real home away from home for the UFC, although White is relishing the return of international fight cards.
When asked about a potential return to London, White recently told BT Sport: "I hope so, I hope so.
"Like I said, a year ago, I could've answered all of your questions. These days, who the hell knows?"
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