UFC 249: How Did Fighters Practice Social Distancing During the Weigh-ins and Face-offs?

This Saturday, the UFC will be the first “real” sport to resume its schedule. So how did the company get here? And what are the precautions they have taken?

Despite a global pandemic, the UFC resumed its activities. They will put together a massive event on May 9 (UFC 249: Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje). However, this is not a normal UFC event. Things were and will be different. And for all the right reasons.

The UFC has had to improvise ever since the COVID-19 outbreak got worse. The MMA leader implemented various measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Unusual Media Day

Unlike the normal Media Days, this time, the company organized a Virtual Media Day. The media members asked their questions over the internet.

Strict testing

The fighters had to go through a series of tests upon reaching the hotel. In addition to that, only the coaches are allowed in the hotel room with the athletes.

UFC follows Social Distancing

Each fighter has his/her own room with a place to train and a portable sauna. The community gym is open but more than 10 people are not allowed at a time.

Social distancing measures were imposed upon the media members as well. The media teams had to keep themselves away from the fighters during the face-offs. They were also kept at a distance from other media members.

Weird face-offs

The fighters also followed social distancing measures. Many wore masks and other protective gear during the face-offs. Jacare Souza and Uriah Hall wore PPE during their face-off. Yorgan De Castro also took a similar approach.

Furthermore, the UFC has also taken care of the rehydration process. They have employed one staff member for each fighter’s needs. The staff member will drop off meals at a designated time.

Medical professionals are not spared either

Medical professionals will also follow the same rules. If any fighter requires medical assistance, only the fighter and the doctor are allowed to be in the “dedicated” hotel room. Doctors can spend up to 40 minutes with the athletes, after which, there will be 20 minutes of disinfection taking place.

UFC commentators too?

According to Daniel Cormier, the commentary team will be separated during the event. All commentators will sit at different places assigned to them.