UFC relies on hefty health and safety blueprint for weekend return

The UFC will return to action on Saturday after a two-month absence with the first of three shows in Jacksonville, Florida — working off a hefty health, safety and operations manual in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The mixed martial arts organization plans to use the 25-pageplus blueprint as its bible for the week covering the Florida cards and for future shows — all without spectators — planned at the UFC Apex facility next to its Las Vegas headquarters.

“The protocols actually begin before anybody even arrives at site,” said Lawrence Epstein, the UFC’s chief operations officer and senior executive vice-president.

Everyone travelling to the event is quizzed in advance about potential COVID-19 symptoms or whether they have been in contact with anyone who has. If there are no red flags, they get the green light to go to the event.

Upon arrival, they undergo two tests — the antibody test and a deep nasal swab. The antibody test provides almost immediate results while the swab takes about 20 to 24 hours. If the antibody test comes back positive, the person is isolated until the results from the swab come back.

With shows also planned for March 13 and 16, the UFC has essentially taken over one tower of the host hotel.

“We’ve got a hotel that we control,” said Epstein. “Practice areas and other things like that that are completely under our control, under a schedule. There’s cleaning in between to make sure there’s nothing passed on even though everyone’s tested clean.”

The UFC says it has slashed its production staff, from the normal 300-plus, including fighters and their corners, by more than half. It is trying to limit interaction, even at the correct physical-distancing.

During the broadcast the three commentators will sit at separate tables. Media covering the event, who also had to undergo tests for COVID-19, will also be limited.

“You’re certainly going to notice people wearing protective gear,” Epstein said.