Dana White could be forced to move UFC 311 amid California wildfires… 'No decisions have been made'

01/10/2025 10:36 PM

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.

On Saturday next week, UFC 311 is set to roll into the Intuit Dome in California for the promotion’s first show at the new venue. But deadly wildfires that have engulfed the state continue to rage on, causing a number of sporting events to be moved and even cancelled.

The major event on Saturday night is to be the UFC’s return to pay-per-view after the Christmas period, and is a vitally important show in company history. With broadcast rights up this year, every show has to offer maximum value to entice new partners.

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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 could be moved from its host venue at the Intuit Dome to a new home. An NFL game that was set for the nearby SoFi Stadium on Monday night has been moved, with further events in California cancelled.

The event, headlined by Islam Makhachev’s potentially record-breaking lightweight title defence against Arman Tsarukyan, is still taking place as planned at the time of writing. However the situation remains under review.

14-time MMA Journalist of the Year Ariel Helwani provided an update including a possible new host city, noting that the event could move to the promotions home of Las Vegas. “UFC has had talks about the status of UFC 311 next weekend, I'm told,” Helwani wrote on X.

“UFC 311 is currently slated for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Obviously, that region is facing a devastating wildfire crisis at the moment. 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.

“As of right now, 311 is staying at Intuit. The hope is it remains there. But they are monitoring and ready to move the card, if need be. No talks of delaying the card. Obviously that call needs to happen soon.

“The event is eight days away. Vegas would be the frontrunner. Worth noting: T-Mobile Arena is not booked next Saturday, Jan. 18.”

California State Athletic Commission boss makes statement amid UFC 311 speculation

As of now, Dana White has remained quiet about what is going to happen to the event, but did offer his support to first responders in California 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 has given a statement updating fans on the situation to Helwani. This was released during Friday night’s episode of The Craic with Petesy Carroll and Chuck Minendhall.

“We are watching the ongoing wildfires and the subsequent emergency and disastrous response in the Los Angeles area,” Carroll read from a text sent by Foster. “Our hearts are with the residents of that region and we appreciate the efforts of First Responders in keeping the community safe.

“At this time, no decisions have been made about moving 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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