The UFC's plans to come to Hawaii with a card headlined by state native and featherweight champion Max Holloway were nixed by the Hawaiian tourism board, president Dana White said Wednesday.
As a result, White said the promotion has taken its eyes off Hawaii and is instead focusing on bringing a card to Russia.
"We were all geared up and heading to Hawaii - Max is the champion - and the tourism board shot it down," White told "UFC Tonight."
He added, "We will not be going to Hawaii this year or any time soon. We will definitely be in Russia first."
The UFC was known to be interested in a Hawaii card for some time, but logistical issues - such as finding a viable venue - prevented the promotion and the state from striking a deal.
Russia has never hosted a UFC event. White and his staff are rumored to be targeting September for a card in Russia.
