The Hawaii Tourism Authority reportedly shut down a possible UFC Hawaii event in order to avoid bringing “bad” people to the island.
The news comes from Enson Inoue, a retired MMA fighter who lives in Hawaii.
To wit:
Just got word that the Hawaii Tourism Authority just shut down any chance for UFC Hawaii in the near future. A major reason was that the UFC would bring “bad” people to out islands.
I was so surprised and saddened to hear that MMA is still in this day and time being stereotyped as a “thug” sport and it would bring “bad” people.
I was a MMA fighter and I am now a fan of MMA and I am far from a thug.
Sad day for the fighters and fans of MMA in Hawaii.
Just got word that the Hawaii Tourism Authority just shut down any chance for UFC Hawaii in the near future. A major…
Posted by Enson Inoue on Wednesday, April 4, 2018
The news was also confirmed by UFC President Dana White. In an interview with KHON 2, White said:
I’ll tell you guys today we were working. Hawaii was happening this year, and it got shut down by the tourism board there.
Was there any justifiable reason for the Hawaii Tourism Authority to shut down the event, or is the tourism board acting irrationally?
