LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 05: Tony Ferguson positions throughout a ritualistic weigh-in for UFC 229 at T-Mobile Arena on October 05, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ferguson will battle Anthony Pettis in a light-weight bout at UFC 229 on October 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (Image by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Classic boxing matches to watch if you miss boxing by Jeremy C. Herriges

A timeline of the ever-evolving UFC 249, location, fights and more by Nicole Bosco

The UFC will move forward with three events in eight days starting with UFC 249 on May 9 in Florida.

After several weeks of changes and cancelations, it seems that the UFC is back up and running. Per a press release from the organization, the UFC has found a home for the next several events. That home will be Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The arena will play host to UFC 249 on May 9, and two other events to be held on May 13 and May 16. UFC 249 will feature Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title as the main event.

This UFC 249 event has been changed so many times, not only the main event but the location. Originating in Brooklyn, NY then possible in California, now landing in Florida, it seemed as if this event was never going to happen. The Florida State Athletic Commission is supporting this card and will make sure to work with the UFC through this process.

“Florida welcomes the UFC to the Sunshine State, and our commission stands ready to sanction the events to be held on May 9, 13 and 16,” Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director, Patrick Cunningham said. “Health and safety protocols will be in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all individuals who are helping to make these events possible.  With this triple date feature of UFC events coming in May, Florida is continuing to build a strong collaboration with UFC that sets the foundation for more opportunities that we hope UFC will choose to host in our state in the months to come.”

The May 13 and May 16 fight cards have not yet been announced. The UFC is hoping to return to Las Vegas in June to hold further events at their APEX facility per Ariel Helwani of ESPN When it comes to UFC 249 the battle card to date is as follows:

Tony Ferguson vs. Justin GaethjeHenry Cejudo vs. Dominick CruzFrancis Ngannou vs.Jairzinho RozenstruikCalvin Kattar vs. Jeremy StephensAnthony Pettis vs. Donald CerroneCarla Esparza vs. Michelle WatersonRyan Spann vs. Sam AlveyRonaldo Souza vs. Uriah HallGreg Hardy vs. Yorgan de CastroAleksei Oleinik vs. Fabricio WerdumNiko Cost vs. Vicente LuqueBryce Mitchell vs. Charles Rosa

Follow in addition to FanSided Mixed Martial Arts for all your news and highlights.

The post UFC to hold three events in Florida over 8 days starting May 9 appeared first on World Weekly News.