With the card taken to Las Vegas this Saturday, remember UFC events that had venues changed at the last minute

UFC Octagon set up in Las Vegas. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC

The penultimate Ultimate event in the 2023 season underwent drastic changes on the eve of its completion. Initially, the show, which takes place this Saturday (9), would take place in Shanghai (CHI), but ended up being relocated to Las Vegas in the last few days. The outcome, however, is not an isolated case in the history of the UFC.

Below, the team at SUPER FIGHTS brought together moments in which cards had their headquarters changed.

UFC 178 – 2014

In 2014, UFC 178 had Toronto (CAN) as the initial venue. The show, scheduled for September 27 of that year, however, was transferred to Las Vegas (USA).

The main star of the event was Demetrious Johnson, who, at the time, reigned supreme in flyweight (up to 56,7kg.). On that occasion, the MMA legend submitted Chris Cariaso and recorded his fifth title defense.

On the card, Brazil had a representative. Amanda nunes, who began her career in the company, ended up being knocked out by Zingano cat.

UFC 232 – 2018

In 2018, a controversy involving Jon Jones forced a last-minute change in the staging of UFC 232. With issues to be resolved at the time with the Nevada Athletic Commission, 'Bones' would be prevented from competing in Las Vegas (USA).

In order not to lose the title fight between their big star and Alexander Gustafson, Dana White and her team moved the show to Los Angeles (USA). After the formalities, Jones overcame the Swede in a rematch and regained the light heavyweight title (under 93kg).

The event was also marked by the historic clash between Amanda nunes e Chris Cyborg. In the clash between Brazilian legends, valid for the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg), the Bahian woman shocked the world by knocking out the Curitiba native in a lightning-fast manner.

2020 – Pandemic, uncertainties and changes

The year 2020 was marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused historic drama in the world, generating millions of deaths around the globe. With the gravity of the moment, several sporting events have undergone severe adaptations in an attempt to adapt to the context.

In MMA, Ultimate interrupted its activities after the UFC Brasilia, in March of that season. The show in question was held behind closed doors.

After two months of interruption, Ultimate resumed the cards, taking clashes to Jacksonville (USA). After three consecutive events at the 'VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena', the company adopted its headquarters in Las Vegas, the UFC Apex, as a 'refuge' for fights that would be rearranged or rescheduled.

In 2020, Dana White and his team continued to surprise with their ability to reinvent themselves in a time of global crisis. The team created 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi. In the United Arab Emirates, the agents signed a partnership that, even today, bears fruit.

Even with the pandemic situation under control, the UFC Apex continues to be home to the vast majority of 'Fight Nights' in the seasons.

UFC Las Vegas 68 – 2023

In February 2023, Ultimate had confirmed a card for South Korea. The show's main fight would be a confrontation between the 'giants' Sergei Spivak and Derrick Lewis.

Despite the initial plan, the event did not end up happening in the East. Finally, the Russian and the American shared the octagon at UFC Apex.

In the clash, Sergei submitted Lewis in the first round.

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