The Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand had an exclusive interview with Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein. In speaking with him on the protocols the company has taken in getting back to producing live sporting events, Epstein indicated that it had 11 positive COVID-19 tests during its return to the UFC Apex last month. However, none of the positive tests were athletes.
#ufc says it had 11 positive COVID-19 tests during the UFC shows at the apex but none were fighters pic.twitter.com/hlcVhVAR8B
— Jason Cruz (@dilletaunt) July 7, 2020
Epstein laid out the steps the promotion has done with being one of the first sports back. As it begins its first international venture, Fight Island, in Abu Dhabi, Epstein stressed that testing was key. Epstein, who has been tested 12 times for the coronavirus stated that when he gets to Abu Dhabi he will be tested and then quarantined for 48 hours until the test results comes back. If they are negative, he will test every other day at the event. He explained how sports leagues need to prepare for positive tests and have a plan for it. “If they have a plan, and they ultimately don’t have anybody test positive, that plan is not working. We know that the virus is out there. Be ready for those positive tests. They will come. Game plan how you will deal with it.”
Payout Perspective:
The advice comes as one the main event for this Saturday’s PPV was changed due to a positive COVID-19 test. It also has had at least two other fights scheduled for Fight Island postponed due to the coronavirus. Epstein’s words portray the UFC as pioneers for other leagues as they attempt to come back amid positive tests. Certainly, the UFC protocol has done well. It also has been willing to alter its protocol since Jacksonville this past May. Notably quarantining athletes to ensure they do not mix with others that have not been tested. We will see if they announce contact tracing for those positive tests. Still, the protocol has provided some sense of security over an unsecure pandemic.
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