UFC 249 to be hosted at Tachi Palace Resort Casino in California

Photo Credit: UFC

A location for UFC 249 on April 18th. has finally been locked down. The promotion has finalised the Tachi Palace Resort Casino, in Lemoore, California - as the host of the pay-per-event.

The event, which will be headlined by an interim lightweight title pairing between Tony Ferguson, and Justin Gaethje, has run into countless roadblocks due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, but after a drawn-out process, will land in California. News of the booking was initially reported by Sherdog.com founder, Jeff Sherwood. Sherwood also detailed how the promotion plan on holding four more events at the venue.

The premises, based in Lemoore, California, has hosted a number of mixed-martial-arts events in the past, including multiple World Extreme Cagefighting showcases. Given that the land on which the venue is located is owned by the Tachi-Yokut tribe, the event falls out of the jurisdiction of the California State Athletic Commission - which has recently imposed a suspension on all combat sports events in the state.

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California has issued a stay-at-home order in California as a precautionary measure to halt the spread of the COVID-19. This order also won't hold any substance in relation to the event taking place on April 18th.

In a statement provided to The New York Times on Tuesday night, the CSAC explained how it has taken Governor Gavin's orders into consideration - and subsequently won't regulate the event as per is the norm.

"The commission echoes the guidance of California Governor, Gavin Newsom, the Department of Public Health, local health officials, and the recommendations of the Association of Ringside Physicians regarding the cancellations of events where people may be at risk of contracting COVID-19 and encourages the industry to do the same. The commission will not participate in the UFC event on April 18th., regardless of the event location."

UFC 249 takes place on April 18th. from the Tachi Palace Resort Casino in Lemoore, California, and is headlined by an interim lightweight title matchup between Tony Ferguson, and Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, former strawweight champions, Jéssica Andrade, and Rose Namajunas rematch. The controversial Greg Hardy remains on the card as he meets with Yorgan de Castro. In another re-run, exciting welterweight challengers, Vicente Luque and Niko Price throw down again. At featherweight, veteran striker Jeremy Stephens clashes with Calvin Kattar,

In a rescheduled potential heavyweight title-eliminator, Francis Ngannou is paired with Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Former Strikeforce middleweight best, Jacaré Souza also features as he meets with karate practitioner, Uriah Hall. Alexander Hernandez - who was initially set to face Islam Makhachev, will now meet with Omar Morales. Marlon Vera tackles former flyweight title challenger, Ray Borg in a bantamweight tie.

Michael Johnson makes his return to lightweight also, as he takes on Khama Worthy. TUF alumni, Sijara Eubanks also makes the walk as she's pitted with Canada's, Sarah Moras. Opening up the event, we've got a light heavyweight bout between Ryan Spann, and Sam Alvey.

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