Report: UFC’s Fox Sports 1 Debut in Boston Hits Snag with Massachusetts Law

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The UFC’s return to Boston could be in jeopardy, according to a Tuesday report from the Boston Herald.

UFC on Fox Sports 1 “Shogun vs. Sonnen” could be derailed, the Herald writes, due to a Massachusetts law that bans foreign-born competitors from fighting within the state’s borders without possessing valid Social Security numbers.

The Aug. 17 event is scheduled to take place at TD Garden and marks the second time the UFC has hosted a show in Boston. The Las Vegas-based organization first visited the city in August 2010 for UFC 118. That event -- which featured international competitors such as Demian Maia and Andre Winner -- went forward without a hitch.

Sherdog.com reached out to the UFC for comment on the Boston Herald’s report, and UFC Director of Communications Dave Sholler asserted that the promotion will comment on the matter shortly.

UFC on Fox Sports 1 “Shogun vs. Sonnen” is headlined by a light heavyweight showdown between former champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and ex-title challenger Chael Sonnen. It will also showcase a heavyweight conflict pitting onetime Strikeforce talent Alistair Overeem against Hawaiian prospect Travis Browne.