The first pro sport in the US to come back during the coronavirus pandemic is strengthening its health and safety protocols ahead of its expected return to Las Vegas.
The UFC has updated its testing and self-isolation guidelines, according to MMA Junkie, as it heads into UFC Fight Night on Saturday — its fourth event since coming back, but the first to take place in Las Vegas and not Jacksonville.
Fighters will undergo two COVID-19 tests — one upon checking into the hotel and another on Friday after weigh-ins. After the first one, fighters must take stricter precautions until learning the test results.
“This means you should not leave the Athlete Hotel or have physical contact with anyone other than the members of your camp until you have received your test result,” the promotion said in a memo obtained by MMA Junkie.
There are similar precautions following the Friday test, as fighters and their corners will have to self-isolate until leaving for the UFC Apex arena on Saturday.
“During this time, no athletes or cornermen will be permitted to leave the Athlete Hotel without express prior approval from the Nevada State Athletic Commission,” the memo said.
Saturday’s event, which is still subject to a vote by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, will be headlined by a welterweight bout between Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns.
