Nevada Athletic Commission approves first Las Vegas UFC events since COVID-19 outbreak

MMA is back in Nevada.

Wednesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC), which oversees and regulates the state’s combat sports events, held its first monthly meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The meeting was held via conference call and lasted approximately 15 minutes, with all votes coming to unanimous decisions.

Among the decisions made, the NAC approved the first MMA events in its jurisdiction since March. The UFC, which has announced plans to hold events at the UFC Apex on Saturday and June 6, will be allowed to do so.

The NAC unanimously approved NAC COVID-19 protocols for events without the presence of a live audience (see the protocols here), before unanimously approving the two UFC events and two Top Rank boxing events.

NAC executive director Bob Bennett said the commission has been working “hand in glove” with the UFC and “everything is moving forward.” He stressed the UFC’s protocols align with the new plan set forth by the NAC.

While it is unclear how many straight weeks the UFC plans on holding events at the Apex, the promotion has events planned for Saturday, June 6, June 13, June 20, and June 27. The latter three events were not discussed since they were not on Wednesday’s agenda.

The meeting was the first held by the NAC in more than two months. On March 14, the commission announced it had canceled all upcoming combat sports events through March 25 due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 23, the NAC announced the suspension of combat sports would be instituted indefinitely. The announcement coincided with Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s order to close all non-essential businesses, including Las Vegas casinos, to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The state of Nevada currently is in Phase 1 of its reopening plan, but is expected to move to Phase 2 on Friday. Gyms, places of worship, bars and casinos will be allowed to reopen.