August's UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 event reportedly could be in trouble due to a legal snafu that affects the card's international fighters.
According to the Boston Herald, the UFC's debut show on the new FOX Sports 1 channel faces issues due to a Massachusetts law that bars foreign-born fighters from competing in the state without Social Security numbers.
That could create problems for the Aug. 17 show, which takes place at TD Garden in Boston. Foreign fighters Mauricio Rua and Alistair Overeem are in the main event and co-main event, respectively fighting Chael Sonnen and Travis Browne, and others are part of the undercard.
The law bars foreign-born fighters from hitting the octagon without Social Security numbers. The Social Security Administration allows fighters to get a temporary number after a 10-day grace period, though even then it's not guaranteed fighters would be cleared for the event.
"This law has been in existence since we legalized mixed martial arts in the commonwealth of Massachusetts," Terrell Harris, spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety, told the newspaper. "It's been brought to the attention of the UFC more than a few times since we legalized the fighting here. But they've chosen basically to ignore the law and hope that they could skirt it somehow."
So the the UFC released the following statement:
"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."
