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Texas Announces Massive News for UFC Fans

Published 10/08/2020, 7:30 AM EDT

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Sporting fans can now rejoice in the light of the new ruling issued in Texas. The state has recently announced that it will allow combat sports to operate at 50% capacity once they have reviewed their operational plan. With COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in place, the sporting world had to close its doors to fans around the globe. Even when the UFC resumed, fans could not enter the arenas to cheer on their favorites.

No matter the sport, any game without fans must for a rather isolating experience. However, events behind closed doors may now be nearing their end with this ruling from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

It read, “TDLR will accept applications for combative sports events in the state in preparation for a phased-in reopening with a limited number of events.”

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UFC 248 was the last event that had fans in attendance. The night saw Israel Adesanya defeated Yoel Romero in the main event. The UFC paved the way to become the first sport to make a comeback since the pandemic-induced quarantine. However, UFC President Dana White had openly admitted that he wasn’t thinking of allowing fans at events soon.

As per the TDLR representative, “Events will be able to include spectators, with a cap of 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the venue.”

What does this mean for the UFC?

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Per this ruling, the UFC could re-book some of their upcoming events for Texas. This is because the live gate is a big part of the UFC’s revenue and they would leap at the opportunity to have fans cheer on the fighters. 

The TDLR’s statement further said, “Promoters must submit their own operational plan to TDLR and to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The operational plan must detail the promoter’s plans for daily COVID-19 screenings, providing protective equipment and staffing, as well as cleaning and disinfecting the event venue and athlete delegation housing.”

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The UFC has already shown that it can host events with several shows already in the books since the lockdown. With their proven record in Nevada and Fight Island at Abu Dhabi, their operational procedures are tried and tested.

The TDLR has already received eight requests for events to be held between October and December. Only time will tell if the UFC will choose to have fans in attendance before 2021.

Read: Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Has a ‘Polite’ Argument With Leon Edwards and Shuts Him Down

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Written by:

Reubyn Coutinho

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Reubyn Coutinho is a Combat Sports editor at EssentiallySports with over 2 years of journalistic experience. Having earned his bachelor's degree in Mass Media with a specialization in Journalism from Xavier's College, Reubyn has interned with the sports desks at DNA and Times Now before joining EssentiallySports to further his passion for sports content. Reubyn has interviewed former UFC champions like 'Mighty Mouse' Demetrious Johnson and Miesha Tate.
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