Dana White is Hopeful UFC 268 Goes Forward as Planned
Dana White is excited about the remaining quarter of the year for the UFC. He seemed pleased to talk about the promotion’s return to Abu Dhabi and the fights announced for Madison Square Garden’s UFC 268 which were announced during the UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Chikadze broadcast, but in the post-fight press conference, when asked if the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and mandates would hinder the UFC’s return to New York City, White is hopeful they can move forward without issue.
White was asked if he had a plan in place if something were to happen and he said, “Normally I would have answers to these things two years ago. Who knows?” He added, “They have assured us that we’ll be good to go, but we’ll see how it plays out. Hopefully, we get in there sell it out and we have an incredible event in New York City like we used to at MSG.”
The venue has been holding events and has updated its guidelines in accordance with state mandates. Currently, according to Madison Square Garden’s FAQ:
Per government guidelines for attending indoor events at venues such as The Garden, all guests age 12 and older must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, which means you’ve had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Guests may also show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, meaning the day of your event is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose, which, depending on the type of vaccine, may be one dose or two. Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask. Everyone else must wear a face covering while in The Garden, except while actively eating or drinking.
Every time the UFC has come to New York City, the cards have been stellar. Fans were already aware of Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington’s rematch, along with that match confirmed during last weekend’s UFC Fight Night broadcast, another title fight is on deck with the rematch between Rose Namajunas and Zhang Weili. Two rematches that are also title fights along with one hell of a lightweight match-up between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler. See the full list of confirmed bouts below:
Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington
Rose Namajunas vs Zhang Weili
Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler
Sean Strickland vs Luke Rockhold
Germaine de Randamie vs Irene Aldana
Al Iaquinta vs Bobby Green
Frankie Edgar vs Marlon Vera
Let’s keep our fingers crossed this card goes forward without issue.
