Coronavirus testing details released for upcoming UFC events
In lead up to UFC 249, UFC president Dana White has faced backlash regarding safety concerns surrounded the COVID-19 pandemic. Now six days before the UFC returns to action, the company’s plan on coronavirus testing has been released.
World renown combat sports journalist Gareth A. Davies published an article for The Telegraph discussing the UFC’s blue print for keeping everyone safe.
According to the article, all the fighters will all undergo stringent daily medical tests for COVID-19 in a sealed off hotel in Jacksonville, Fla. All coaches, team members and employees will also given the daily test.
The article also states that fighters and their team have been given coronavirus testing kits at home before traveling to Florida.
This comes just two days after the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) issued a statement regarding their testing protocol for the upcoming UFC events.
“As we’ve stated, testing at UFC events is an essential part of a fair fight,” USADA officials said on Friday. “We will have doping control officers at UFC 249, and will do everything in our power to conduct testing at future events, of course taking appropriate precautions to protect the health and safety of everyone involved.”
USADA has also continued their testing of athletes throughout the pandemic
The coronavirus testing process will continue for all of the UFC events in Florida. The UFC will have three events within an eight days – May 9, May 13 and May 16. All three events will be held at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. There will be no fans in attendance for any of the upcoming fight cards.
The UFC will become the first sports league to return since the global pandemic shut all sports down.
