Saturday, July 18, 2026

UFSEA Sets Sail

UFC punch
Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Combat sports are coming back to Las Vegas as the Nevada State Athletic Commission approved UFC fights at its Apex facility on May 30 and June 6. The commission also voted to allow two Top Rank boxing matches on June 9 and 11 at the MGM Grand.

UFC held three events in Florida earlier this month and pushed for this weekend’s return to Las Vegas as UFC President Dana White claimed it as the safest place to conduct fights. On Friday, Nevada will head into Phase 2 of reopening, which includes sporting events without an audience.

With approval to return to its Nevada headquarters and foreign athletes now allowed to come into the U.S., White’s ‘Fight Island’ idea is losing practicality. However, the company did manage to trademark UFSEA – a nickname for the concept from late-night TV host John Oliver. More than 22 trademarks have been filed in relation to Fight Island.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (right) attempts a flying kick at the start of his fight against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

McGregor Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers on Paramount+

UFC 329 trailed Freedom 250 in total and average viewership.
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor fights Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Eyes Record-Setting Weekend with McGregor’s Return

Dana White said UFC 329 will be the highest gate in UFC history.
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Justin Gaethje (blue gloves) celebrates after winning the UFC Freedom 250 fight against Ilia Topuria (not pictured) at the White House South Lawn. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

UFC Touts 34M Global Audience for White House Event

The event’s overall audience doubles with the inclusion of international figures.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Nate Burleson on Russell Wilson at CBS, Travis Kelce’s Media Future, and Seahawks $9.6B Sale

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
Sponsored

How Long Acre Tavern Is Built to Handle Soccer’s Biggest Moments

Learn how Spectrum Business helps keep Long Acre Tavern in Times Square connected and ready to serve soccer fans from around the world.
FIFA
December 11, 2024

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
Sponsored

The Hidden Economy of Race Weekend

Learn more about the Vintage Flying Museum and how Spectrum Business is helping them achieve their business goals while fueling their dreams.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.