The sports and sports betting industries still have many uncertainties. However, SuperBook and UFC, two key components of these industries, may make a comeback in the first week of May.
UFC is tentatively planning to hold an event on May 9. If this goes ahead, SuperBook USA will open its online sportsbook in Nevada the day before.
Details on the possible return of SuperBook and UFC in early May
The UFC has stated that it is still in the process of assembling the fight card and is not yet prepared to make any announcements. Dana White, the president of UFC, however, has clarified a few aspects of his plans.
The function is set to occur on “Fight Island” in Florida, rather than in Brazil where the original plans for UFC 250 were located. Florida Governor, Rick DeSantis, has explicitly stated that the event will not be open to spectators.
UFC aims to host as many of the originally scheduled bouts for UFC 249 and UFC 250 at this event. If so, the fight card might resemble the following:
- Dominick Cruz vs. Henry Cejudo
- Anthony Pettis vs. Donald Cerrone
- Michelle Waterson vs. Carla Esparza
- Justin Gaethje vs. Tony Ferguson
- Yorgan de Castro vs. Greg Hardy
- Niko Price vs. Vicente Luque
- Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Francis Ngannou
- Felicia Spencer vs. Amanda Nunes
- Fabricio Werdum vs. Alexei Oleinik
- Bryce Mitchell vs. Charles Rosa
- Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
- Calvin Kattar vs. Jeremy Stephens
Title bouts would include Cejudo vs. Cruz, Ferguson vs. Gaethje, and Nunes vs. Spencer. It is possible that this event would be pay-per-view, but that is not confirmed at this point.
Although UFC may not be the top sport for many SuperBook patrons, they can still welcome its comeback with immense excitement. SuperBook will make a simultaneous return.
SuperBook considering May 8 return in Nevada
John Murray, the director of Westgate sportsbook, has revealed that if the event goes ahead as planned by UFC, SuperBook will restart its online betting operations one or two days prior. If this occurs, it will be one of the first indications that sports betting in Nevada is returning to normal.
At the very least, casinos in the state will remain shut for the rest of the month. Despite Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman urging Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak not to extend any of his existing orders, Sisolak has not pledged to do so.
In fact, Sisolak thinks his state is not “even close to ending the restrictions.” This might indicate a further extension of the order to keep all non-essential businesses closed to the public.
One potential compromise could involve Sisolak categorizing casinos as “essential” businesses. Casino operators have suggested plans which incorporate frequent and comprehensive cleanings, and providing workers with gloves and masks.
Whether UFC fans will witness live action on May 9 is currently uncertain. If any fights take place on May 9, it could encourage SuperBook to resume online betting. This would certainly be a favorable shift for gamblers across the state.
