UFC fighters allowed fully-staffed corners for UFC 249, succeeding Jacksonville events

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the UFC has made significant cutbacks on the number of people allowed in the arena on fight night.

However, one population not affected by the cutbacks on May 9, May 13, and May 16 will be the fighters’ cornermen. Multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Junkie that fighters will be allowed the usual limit of three cornermen for their upcoming fights in Jacksonville, Fla.

In the lead-up to the UFC establishing an outline of its fight week happenings and protocols, there was some uncertainty as to whether or not fighters would have to limit their cornermen.

In an online meeting held with fighters on April 17, UFC president Dana White said the number of people that will be allowed at the events was still fluid. He indicated the UFC would likely have to limit the amount of people on scene, so White said fighters will likely have to make “tough decisions” pertaining to who they allow to corner them.

It’s not uncommon for some fighters to be accompanied by more than three team members on fight weeks. Additional fight week personnel can include nutritionists, massage therapists, managers, and others. With the UFC’s hotel policy, only UFC staff, their selected corners, and fighters are permitted on the premises.

The three events, starting with UFC 249 on May 9, take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.