UFC releases statement on COVID-19 health and safety measures

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

“All athletes and staff will be required to adhere to a number of precautionary measures, such as participating in advanced medical screenings and temperature checks and following social distancing guidelines.”

Earlier today the UFC announced that it would be hosting three events at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, from May 9 to May 16.

Following this announcement, the UFC released a statement on their updated health and safety guidelines, with all athletes and staff being required to adhere to new ‘social distancing’ measures as well as temperature checks and advanced medical screenings.

The UFC didn’t state that they would be testing for COVID-19 but assured the public that health and safety is their No. 1 priority.

The full statement reads as follows.

“Health and safety have long been a priority for UFC and we have set the standards for our industry. In light of the current circumstances, we plan to implement further enhanced safety measures as we return to producing live events.

UFC events scheduled for May 9, May 13, and May 16 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida will be fully sanctioned by the Florida State Boxing Commission and will comply with all of the regulations governing professional MMA events. We have worked closely with our medical staff and state and local officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham, to ensure the appropriate health and safety protocols are in place.

Pursuant to a request from the Florida State Boxing Commission, these events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance. All athletes and staff will be required to adhere to a number of precautionary measures, such as participating in advanced medical screenings and temperature checks and following social distancing guidelines.

On behalf of the fans, athletes, and employees, UFC thanks Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham, and our media partners, including ESPN and ESPN+, for their support as we resume our events.”

The UFC will kick things off on May 9 with UFC 249. The highly anticipated pay-per-view will feature a headlining interim lightweight title bout between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje as well as a bantamweight title bout between Henry Cejudo and Dominick Cruz.