Officials Release Safety Measures Ahead of UFC 249
Safety has been a priority for the UFC since its inception. From broken bones to concussions, it is no surprise that the UFC has seen it all. However, with the dangers posed by the novel Coronavirus, organizing UFC 249 without a single infection will be a gargantuan task for the promotion.
The highly anticipated UFC 249 fight card is looking to take place later this week on May 9th at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Initially slated to take place on April 18th, pressure from Disney and ESPN pushed the event up to May.
Not so dissimilar to UFC Fight Night: Lee vs Oliveira, UFC 249 will be taking place behind closed doors, with no fans in attendance.
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While speaking to ESPN MMA, UFC Executive Vice President of Operation and Production Craig Borsari opens up about the safety measures that the UFC is taking to ensure a completely hygienic and secure work environment for everyone involved.
The UFC has ruled out the possibility of octagon interviews for the fighters. Instead, they will answer questions with the help of sanitized headsets, while sitting outside the octagon.
“I think some of them may be even prefer being able to hear corner audio a little clearer. Because you’re not combating that with 20,000 people screaming. Hearing some of that instruction for a true, avid fight fan can be really interesting. It can offer some insights you wouldn’t typically get,” said Borsari when talking about the lack of fans in attendance.
Borsari explains that the commentary team comprises of Daniel Cormier, Joe Rogan, and Jon Anik. The commentators will be sitting on different corners of the octagon. No one other than the fighters will be permitted into the cage.
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Tests for Everyone Attending UFC 249
According to the UFC, all fighters will be tested for Coronavirus. However, there have been no announcements regarding the protocol if any of the fighters test positive.
“We were in a position where it wasn’t difficult for us to procure the right amount of tests. We also have Dr. [Jeffrey] Davidson, who is kind of overseeing exactly how they’ll be administered and the protocols to get results and clear people to get a clean bill of health to continue to work,” said Borsari.
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The fighters will be staying at a host hotel to avoid tracking the virus in from outside. The UFC has truly left no stone unturned when it comes to the safety of its employees and fighters.
Do you think the promotion is being hasty in organizing UFC 249?
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