UFC President Dana White has expressed his enthusiasm for potentially bringing the mixed martial arts promotion to Hawaii, calling it a dream destination. Despite the state being home to renowned fighters like former champions BJ Penn and Max Holloway, the UFC has yet to host an event in Hawaii, while other organizations, such as Bellator MMA, have successfully done so.
In previous statements, White has pointed out that the lack of adequate infrastructure has hindered the UFC's ability to stage events in Hawaii. However, he has recently noted that plans for a new arena are underway, which could change the landscape for the organization. The anticipated completion of this venue is expected around 2028 or 2029, providing a potential opportunity for the UFC to finally make its Hawaiian debut.
During a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” White was asked about his aspirations for future UFC locations. Without hesitation, he named Hawaii, highlighting the state's significance to the sport. "You know what’s crazy? One of our biggest markets since Day 1 has been Hawaii, and we’ve still never put on an event in Hawaii. We’ve had multiple world champions from Hawaii, and they’re building — the infrastructure there can’t support a UFC event — but now they’re building a new arena there," White stated.
White elaborated on the excitement surrounding a potential UFC event in Hawaii, emphasizing the enthusiasm it would generate among fans and staff alike. "I like destinations where, like, when we do UFC Hawaii, people will lose their minds. Right? Who doesn’t want to go to UFC Hawaii? And every staff member I have is going to want to work that event. So, off the top of my head, you firing that at me, when I think about UFC Hawaii, that will be a fun one," he added.
Currently, the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu serves as the primary venue for mixed martial arts events in Hawaii, accommodating around 8,000 spectators. However, this capacity falls short of the UFC's preference for larger venues that can hold upwards of 20,000 fans, which has contributed to the promotion's hesitance in organizing events in the state.
As the UFC continues to expand its global footprint, the prospect of hosting an event in Hawaii remains an exciting possibility for fans and fighters alike. With the potential for a new arena on the horizon, the dream of UFC Hawaii may soon become a reality, allowing the promotion to tap into one of its most passionate markets.
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