According to MMA Junkie, the UFC has updated its COVID-19 protocol as it heads into next Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 at the UFC Apex.
The event still needs the go ahead by the Nevada State Athletic Commission this Wednesday. Social distancing is defined clearly in the latest iteration of the UFC policies and procedures for athletes fighting in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This differs from its original policy when it held three shows in Jacksonville. According to a document obtained from the UFC, the promotion has requested that athletes not leave the hotel or “have physical contact with anyone other than the members of your camp until you have received your test result.”
The protocol as reported by Junkie outlines more restrictions which requires the athletes to self-isolate as the prepare for the May 30th event. Presumably, this is to prevent the unnecessary exposure of athletes to third-parties which may be asymptomatic of the COVID-19 virus.
The new rules prevent physical contact with non-camp members. A second test will be given to athletes and their corner after weigh-ins on Friday.
Also of note, the UFC Performance Institute will not be u sed by any athletes during fight week.
Payout Perspective:
As one might expect, the UFC has retooled its COVID-19 protocol based on what it learned from its events in Jacksonville. Notably, there was not a definite time given for the results of the tests and whether contract tracing would be utilized. Granted, the article only went over certain parts of the new protocol, so the new policy may include these issues. Of course, the question remains as to whether testing after weigh-ins is too late as to receiving results. Moreover, does this mean that fighters will be compensated if their counterpart tests positive and they are left without a fight.
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