UFC implements athlete guidelines for combatting coronavirus

With the UFC currently committed to its live event schedule, the promotion has implemented a series of guidelines designed to help keep athletes safe during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The promotion’s best practice recommendations and requirements were distributed Thursday to all athletes on the UFC roster, just prior to UFC president Dana White formally announcing the company’s fight schedule would remain intact, albeit with a few adjustments to locations and the potential to hold events behind closed doors.

The following is the introduction to the document, which was obtained by MMA Junkie:

Dear Athletes:

UFC is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, including consulting with UFC’s medical department and our chief medical consultant, Dr. Jeff Davidson, and with government authorities and other professionals. We have prepared the below summary of COVID-10 and UFC guidelines for you.

The UFC guidelines will take effect immediately and continue indefinitely until otherwise notified. As the situation evolves, we will provide you with further notifications and updates.

The COVID-19 athlete guidelines include a list of best practices provided by the World Health Organization, such as the need to “regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water,” a recommendation to “maintain at least 3 feet distance from anyone who is coughing and sneezing,” as well as to “avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.”

However, the guidelines also go on to instruct more active measures of prevention, which promotion officials state are effective immediately for “all UFC athletes and their coaches, cornermen, managers and guests” and include the need to immediately notify both a physician and UFC personnel if “you are exhibiting any symptoms or have been in contact with anyone exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.”

The full guidelines are included below, with only personal contact information redacted.

As MMA Junkie previously reported, Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 28 event is being contested behind closed doors at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil, with only production crew and operational staff allowed in the building. Veteran manager Alex Davis, who is currently in Brasilia and represents three athletes competing at the event, said the promotion is taking extra precautions at the host hotel, minimizing the fighters’ potential exposure to the public and keeping with the growing notion of “social distancing.”

He also said his athletes enter Saturday’s competition without any hesitation.

“None of my fighters ever considered dropping out of the fight, and I don’t know of any other fighters who considered it, either,” Davis told MMA Junkie. “The UFC has cordoned off the hotel. They’re not letting the general public inside or into the venue on Saturday. They’re doing everything they can to keep us all safe.”

UFC officials told MMA Junkie that any fighter who feels uncomfortable competing at any upcoming event due to coronavirus concerns could withdraw from the fight cards without any repercussions from the promotion. However, they have not encountered any such requests at this point.

In the meantime, White remains committed to keeping the promotion moving forward when virtually every other sport on the planet has shut down, at least temporarily. While he admits further changes could be necessary, White believes the promotion can operate safely during the continued crisis.

“We’ve been closely monitoring the situation with the coronavirus and its potential impact on the health and safety of UFC athletes, staff and fans around the world,” White said in a video statement released to MMA Junkie. “We’re moving forward with all our UFC live events, but we’re going to adapt to these unprecedented circumstances.

“This is a very tough situation that is constantly evolving, so we will keep you updated as best we can. We greatly appreciate your understanding and your continued support.”