There are still a lot of unknowns in the sports and sports betting worlds. Two of the pieces of that puzzle, SuperBook and UFC, could return in the first week of May, however.
The plans are still tentative but UFC’s latest designs are on holding an event on May 9. If that happens, SuperBook USA will open its Nevada online sportsbook the day prior.
Details on the possible return of SuperBook and UFC in early May
UFC said it is still working on putting together the fight card so it is not ready to make any announcements about that as of yet. Dana White, UFC president, has made a few things clear about his plans, however.
The event will be on “Fight Island” in Florida, not Brazil where the plans for UFC 250 sat. The event will not be open to spectators, as Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis has made clear.
UFC does want to get as many of the bouts that it originally slated for UFC 249 and UFC 250 held at this event. If that’s the case, the fight card could end up looking something like this:
- Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz
- Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis
- Carla Esparza vs. Michelle Waterson
- Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje
- Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan de Castro
- Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price
- Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
- Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer
- Alexei Oleinik vs. Fabricio Werdum
- Charles Rosa vs. Bryce Mitchell
- Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Uriah Hall
- Jeremy Stephens vs. Calvin Kattar
Cejudo vs. Cruz, Ferguson v. Gaethje and Nunes vs. Spencer would be title bouts. Although it’s likely this event would be pay-per-view, that’s uncertain right now as well.
While UFC may not be the premier sport for many SuperBook customers, those people could herald its return with great enthusiasm nonetheless. SuperBook will return in concert.
SuperBook considering May 8 return in Nevada
Westgate sportsbook director John Murray has shared that if this event takes place as UFC has currently scheduled it, SuperBook will resume online wagering operations a day or two before. If that happens, it will be among the first signs that sports betting in NV is returning to normal.
Casinos in the state remain closed through the rest of this month at least. Although Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman has called for Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak to not extend any of his standing orders, Sisolak has made no commitment to doing so.
As a matter of fact, Sisolak believes his state isn’t, “even close to ending the restrictions.” That could signal another extension of the order keeping all non-essential businesses closed to the public.
A possible compromise would be for Sisolak to include casinos in his definition of “essential” businesses. Casino operators have proposed plans that include regular and thorough cleanings and outfitting workers with gloves and masks.
Like whether UFC fans will see live action on May 9, that’s all up in the air right now. Should May 9 see any bouts, that could prompt SuperBook to start taking action online again. For bettors around the state, that would be a welcome change.
