UFC informs fighters they will be tested for COVID-19 before UFC 249

The UFC has provided some of its athletes with additional details about the new pandemic safety protocol.

On Monday, MMA Junkie obtained a copy of a letter emailed by the UFC Performance Institute to fighters competing at UFC 249. In the email, the UFC PI informs May 9 fighters that they will be tested for COVID-19 by the UFC medical team.

“Upon completion of the UFC Medical Team administered COVID-19 test,” it reads, “the UFCPI Performance Dietitian will conduct a fight week screen that includes but isn’t limited to: weight, nutritional status, food allergies or intolerances and weight cut tactics.”

The email does not state how many times an athlete will be tested for COVID-19, how long it will take for results to be received, or what specific kind of testing will be conducted. ESPN, citing sources, reports that fighters will receive “both a diagnostic swab coronavirus test, as well as the antibody test.”

The email also contains a number of additional details about fight week logistics, which are summarized below:

Fight week meals and rehydration

Fight week meals are available, provided by the Trifecta Culinary Nutrition Department. Meals, snacks, and third-party supplements will be provided upon request. Each fighter has been assigned a specific staff member to handle his/her needs.

After weigh-ins, fighters will be provided with more than six hours’ worth of hydration and nourishment.

Social distancing

To limit direct contact, fighters and meal staff will designate a time for meal drop-off. Every morning, staff will leave for drop-off and exchange weight-tracking data with fighters and their teams.

Medical treatment safety and precautions

Athletes who request medical treatment will only be able to do so for injury and illness related matters, as previously reported. Each fighter will have a PI medical staff member assigned to them.
Fighters will be treated in a “dedicated hotel room.” The only people allowed in the room are the fighter and the doctor – no coaches, teammates, etc.
Fighters will have a maximum of 40 minutes in the room. After the appointment, 20 minutes of disinfecting will take place.
Athletes will be required to wear protective masks during treatment. Staff will be required to wear masks and gloves.
If a translator is required to deal with medical issues, a translator can call in via FaceTime to translate.
Before an appointment, an athlete will be required to shower and sanitize his/her hands.
Before entering a hotel room, an athlete’s temperature will be taken.