Dana White will have a big decision to make in the coming days as he chooses what to do with the UFC's first pay-per-view of the year.
Next Saturday, UFC 311 will roll into the Intuit Dome in California for the promotion's first show at the new venue. But the deadly wildfires that have engulfed the state are still raging, causing some sporting events to be rescheduled and even canceled.
Saturday night's main event is the UFC's return to pay-per-view after the Christmas period, and is a show of pivotal importance in the company's history. With broadcast rights increasing this year, each show must offer maximum value to entice new partners.
UFC 311 could be moved from California after wildfires
While no decision has been made yet, there is a distinct possibility that next weekend's UFC event will be moved from its host venue at the Intuit Dome to a new home. An NFL game scheduled to take place Monday night at nearby SoFi Stadium has been rescheduled and further events in California have been canceled.
The event, headlined by Islam Makhachev's potentially record-breaking lightweight title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, is still taking place as planned at the time of writing. However, the situation is still under investigation.
14-time MMA Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani provided an update on a possible new host city, noting that the event could move to the promotion's hometown of Las Vegas. “UFC has had discussions about the status of UFC 311 next weekend, I'm told,” Helwani wrote on X.
UFC has had discussions this weekend about the status of UFC 311, I'm told.
UFC 311 is currently scheduled for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Clearly, that region is currently facing a devastating wildfire crisis.
The NFL announced yesterday that they are moving the Rams x…
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 10, 2025
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“UFC 311 is currently scheduled for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. It is clear that this region is currently facing a devastating wildfire crisis. The NFL announced yesterday that they are moving the Rams x Vikings playoff game scheduled for Monday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood to Glendale, Ariz.
“From now on, 311 will stay with Intuit. The hope is that it stays there. But they monitor and are willing to move the map if necessary. There is no question of postponing the card. It is clear that that call must be made quickly.
“The event lasts eight days. Vegas would be the frontrunner. Worth noting: the T-Mobile Arena is not booked this Saturday, January 18.”
The head of the California State Athletic Commission makes a statement amid UFC 311 speculation
So far, Dana White has remained quiet about what will happen with the event, but he did offer his support to California's first responders through a statement on Instagram. It is not clear when a decision will be made and announced.
However, California State Athletic Commission Director Andy Foster released a statement to Helwani updating fans on the situation. This was released on the Friday night episode of The Craic with Petesy Carroll and Chuck Minendhall.
“We are monitoring the ongoing wildfires and subsequent state of emergency and catastrophic response in the Los Angeles area,” Carroll read from a text message from Foster. “Our hearts are with the residents of that region and we appreciate the efforts of First Responders to keep the community safe.
“No decisions have been made at this time regarding rescheduling of UFC 311, but we will continue to work with state and local officials and the UFC to determine the best course of action, thank you.”
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