UFC files for trademarks related to planned 'Fight Island' events

The UFC on Monday filed for trademarks related to the private island Dana White said he's securing for future events, according to attorney Josh Gerben.

The promotion filed for 22 trademarks for the terms "UFC Fight Island" and "Fight Island." The application includes trademarks that could be used for branded goods such as gear and jewelry, Gerben added.

With the UFC's schedule disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, White has turned to an island to potentially host shows. The promotion's president has been adamant about continuing operations amid the COVID-19 outbreak, which has shut down most of the sports and entertainment world.

White said last week that infrastructure is currently being built on "Fight Island," and he expects to be able to send fighters there to train in a month.

The promotion's next planned card will take place May 9, White announced earlier this week. Tony Ferguson versus Justin Gaethje will serve as the main event at a location yet to be announced.

White also revealed plans to hold events at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas starting next month.

UFC 249 was scheduled to happen Saturday, but it was canceled last week after executives from UFC broadcast partner ESPN and its parent company, Disney, asked White to "stand down."

Several fighters have expressed interest in competing on "Fight Island," including women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.