Dana White hints at Chicago for future UFC event
UFC president Dana White hinted at the world’s leading MMA promotion going to Chicago, Illinois for a future UFC event.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic went into full force in March 2020, the UFC has primarily held its events at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. Only recently has the promotion ventured into other locales, as UFC 263 took place in Phoenix, UFC 262 took place in Dallas, and UFC 261 took place in Jacksonville, where the UFC hosted three events last year as part of its restart.
With the United States and the rest of the world finally starting to open up a bit more, the UFC plans on going to other countries and venues for upcoming events. For example, UFC 264 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with a full crowd, and then the promotion heads back to Houston for UFC 265 in August. There are also rumors that the promotion is trying to go to London, England for the Darren Till vs. Derek Brunson card this fall.
Speaking to reporters at the UFC 263 post-fight press conference in Phoenix, White was asked if the promotion is planning on going to other cities in the United States, and Chicago was mentioned as one of the potential locales. According to White, the UFC is still scouting locations for future events, but he mentioned Chicago as a place that he would love to go back to soon.
“I love coming to Chicago. As soon as Chicago opens up — is Chicago 100% (opened up) yet? In 15 days? Well, that seems to be the story around the country. So if these places really open up — some are saying they are, but they’re not, it’s not what I’m looking for exactly yet — we will start going to these cities. And I love the city of Chicago and the food. So yes,” Dana White said.
The UFC has previously held seven events in Chicago, and one in Rosemont, Illinois.
