UFC 249 to have ‘extensive’ coronavirus testing, daily checks and personal workout rooms for fighters as action resumes – The Sun

THE UFC have promised "extensive" coronavirus testing for fighters and their teams before this weekend's pay-per-view event.

UFC 249, initially scheduled for April 18 in New York, is finally set to go ahead on Saturday night at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Florida, with Tony Ferguson headlining against Justin Gaethje. 

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Professional sports in Florida are now able to resume after the state's Governor's Office said they are critical to their economy.

The UFC assured their fighters in an email, obtained by MMA Fighting, that both swab and antibody tests will be carried out on athletes with results available before Fight Night.

Swab tests can detect if a person currently has Covid-19, while the antibody is conducted via a blood sample and tells you if you have had it.

Testing is said to begin upon fighters’ arrival and will be conducted daily.

ESPN report that daily checks will include testing for temperatures and questions about coronavirus symptoms.

MMA Fighting say, as well as tests for the virus, fighters will be questioned by a UFC dietitian to "address their weight and weight-cutting methods, nutritional needs and food allergies".

The UFC’s official food delivery service, Trifecta, are understood to be offering food and snacks before the event and after weigh-ins.

Fighters are also set to be assigned to specific members of the UFC's medical staff with a dedicated room for one-to-one treatment available but both will have to wear face masks and gloves.

Coaches and team-mates will not be allowed to enter the delegated room.

It is reported that personal workout rooms and saunas for weight-cutting will be supplied for fighters.

Only fighters and licensed cornermen are allowed into the training room throughout fight week.

And only fighters, licensed cornermen and designated UFC staff are allowed at the hotel, while the staff will wear personal protective equipment and use hospital-like sanitizer.

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