The TakedownUFC 261: Dana White thumbs Covid-19 shamers again with full-crowd event in Florida

UFC president is set to upset the status quo once more, planning Jacksonville show in April with 15,000 spectators

White and the UFC have taken flak for pushing back against coronavirus restriction norms since onset of pandemic

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Dana White is expecting a full house of 15,000 fans at UFC 261 in April in Florida, Covid-19 be damned. Photo: AP Photo/Stephan Savoia

Published: 9:00pm, 17 Mar 2021Updated: 9:00pm, 17 Mar 2021

Dana White is at it again.

The brazen, unapologetic UFC president put out a short video declaring UFC 261 – which will take place in Jacksonville, Florida on April 24 – is going to be a sold-out show.

“I have been waiting a year to this day, to tell you, we are back,” said White in a short clip posted to the UFC’s Twitter page. “And you know I’m bringing an incredible card.”

Before we get into the juicy news side of this story, let us commend White: yes, this is a great card. Kamaru Usman versus Jorge Masvidal, in a rematch for the welterweight belt, Valentina Shevchenko against Jessica Andrade for the women’s flyweight belt, and China’s own Zhang Weili will defend her strawweight title against Rose Namajunas.

White said there will be no cap on capacity at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, which has a capacity of up to 15,000 spectators. He continues to push the envelope, having already held events on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi with close to 1,000 people in attendance, and now looks to build on his victories stateside.