UFC 249 will emanate from Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena this Saturday. Dana White has outdone himself and put together a delightful fight card. However, the UFC is keen on the safety of everyone involved. Hence, in keeping with safety requirements, all UFC 249 fighters will be subject to the pandemic safety protocol.

UFC will test fighters for coronavirus 

As per an MMA Junkie report based on a letter obtained from the UFC Performance Institute, the UFC medical team will test the competitors of the event.

The report only highlights what Dana White has been insisting on for the last few weeks. He has said that the company will test everyone involved rigorously. But neither did he specify the number of times, nor did the email. Fans aren’t even privy to the testing or how long it will take to determine the results.

All the information we know is based on ESPN’s sources claiming a diagnostic swabs test and an antibody test will occur.

The email reads, “Upon completion of the UFC Medical Team administered Covid-19 test, the UFCPI Performance Dietitian will conduct a fight week screen that includes but isn’t limited to: weight, nutritional status, food allergies or intolerances and weight cut tactics.” 

Given the unprecedented circumstances of the event, the email also details additional fight week logistics.

UFC 249 Fight Week Logistics

Trifecta Culinary Nutrition Department will provide meals. The UFC will provide additional requirements as required with each fighter having a designated person to handle their needs.

The UFC will limit direct contact and will set designated timings for meal drop-offs. As per MMA Junkie, “every morning staff will leave for drop-off and exchange weight-tracking data with fighters and their teams.”

The company will give fighters over six hours’ worth of hydration and nourishment after the weigh-ins.

In the event of injuries, they will treat fighters in a “dedicated hotel room” for a maximum of 40 minutes. Following the session, the room will get disinfected for 20 minutes.

The promotion will not allow coaches and teammates to be present during treatment. Only the fighter and the doctor can enter the room where they have to wear masks at all times. The email lets us know that FaceTime will be used in case the fighter needs a translator.

Fighters must shower before appointments and sanitize their hands. UFC personnel will take their temperature before they enter the treatment room. Besides this, a designated person will take their temperature before entering any room.

The UFC is serious about the health and safety of its fighters. Fans hope the event goes off without a hitch and allows other sports to take note and begin soon as well.

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