Dana White has stated that Fight Island in Abu Dhabi could become a regularly used destination again for the UFC after the U.S. government issued new vaccine rules for international travellers.
The UFC sent out a memo to all international fighters on the roster yesterday informing them that they and their cornermen will all have to be fully vaccinated in order to set foot on U.S. soil.
That’s set to be a major issue since Dana White has previously stated he won’t force anyone on the roster to be vaccinated, and also in some foreign countries it may be more challenging to actually get the necessary vaccines than it is in other countries who are further ahead with their vaccination program.
During previous lockdowns in the U.S. the UFC opted to utilize ‘Fight Island’ to get around the restrictions and it seems like that will be their go-to move again in the months ahead if there’s any issues getting fighters into the country.
“I’ve been telling you guys through this whole thing,” White told reporters following last night’s Contender Series show in Las Vegas. “You’re like, ‘Hey, what about this, what about that?’ I said I have no idea how all this nuttiness is going to play out, but here we go. I don’t know.
“I think ‘Fight Island’ is going to be hopping again. Yeah, we’re looking to do more events (there). I’m going to Abu Dhabi next Wednesday, so I have a lot of meetings out there. I’ve been dying to walk you guys through what’s been going on in Abu Dhabi anyways, so this trip I’ll get everything done, buttoned up and finished.”