UFC Affirms It Is Working on Compliance for UFC on Fox Sports 1: Shogun vs. Sonnen Athletes

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is headed to Boston on Aug. 17 for its sophomore effort in the city. UFC on Fox Sports 1: Shogun vs. Sonnen is slated for the TD Gardens and is set to serve as featured programming for the launch of Fox’s new nationwide sports channel, Fox Sports 1.

A Boston Herald report on Tuesday brought to light an issue that UFC officials faced in regards to all mixed martial arts competitors in Massachusetts being required to have a valid Social Security number, even foreign-born participants. The report noted that the UFC was seeking an exemption from the law, and suggested that the event could be cancelled altogether if things weren’t worked out.

The report jumped the gun a good bit, as UFC sources assured MMAWeekly.com on Tuesday that the event “is not in danger, and we’re working on getting visas and social security numbers. Tickets are on sale and moving well.”

The UFC later in the day offered an official company statement, again assuring that the Aug. 17 event was not in jeopardy of being cancelled.

For the first time since 2010, the UFC is very excited to return to TD Garden in Boston on Saturday, Aug. 17 with a live event card to coincide with the launch of the FOX Sports 1 network. Tickets went on pre-sale today for the event and are already off to a tremendous start.

There were some questions that surfaced regarding licensing requirements for mixed martial artists and boxers to have social security numbers in order to compete in the state of Massachusetts. Last week, these requirements were brought to UFC’s attention and we immediately began working to ensure that all athletes affected by this are in full compliance. We are continuing to work on this and anticipate a positive outcome.

We look forward to bringing another successful event to Boston during an incredible week for sports fans in the city.