The next time the UFC holds an event, it will be on “Fight Island,”a.k.a. Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.
On July 11, July 15, July 18, and July 25 the UFC will hold events – four cards in 15 days.
The promotion notified the four cards’ worth of athletes of its flight and testing procedures in a document sent out earlier this week.
Sunday, MMA Junkie obtained a second UFC document. The new two-page format informs fighters of each of their fight week schedules as well as what to expect in terms of hotel rooms, workout space, dining, testing, social distancing, PPE, communal areas, local areas, and additional points.
Below, MMA Junkie has summarized the document:
Timelines
All times are local (unless noted otherwise).
| Event | Registration | Weigh-In | Event Day |
| UFC 251 (July 11 E.T.) | Tues. July 7, noon-6pm | Fri. July 10, 5pm-7pm | Sun. July 12, 2am-8am |
| Fight Island 1 (July 15 E.T.) | Sat. July 11, 2pm-6pm | Tues. July 14, 5pm-7pm | Thus. July 16, 3am-9am |
| Fight Island 2 (July 18 E.T.) | Tues. July 14, 12pm-3pm | Fri. July 17, 5pm-7pm | Sun. July 19, 1am-7am |
| Fight Island 3 (July 25 E.T.) | Tues. July 21, 12pm-6pm | Fri. July 24, 5pm-7pm | Sun. July 26, 1am-7am |
Hotel details
A ballroom has been converted into a gym with cardio equipment.
Each athlete will receive “sufficient accommodation for themselves and all of their camp.”
Each athlete will receive a private workout area with mats – a converted bedroom, close to the room they are staying in.
Cleaning products will be supplied to the athletes, as well as a portable sauna.
Athletes will not have access to the rooms until they pass COVID-19 tests.
Dining and Food
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided to each athlete, as well as $150 credit/per day for ala carte items.
Three dining options are available – two restaurants (which will only allow 30 percent capacity) or in-room dining. There are also a handful of out-of-pocket restaurants on the premises.
Athletes will not be eligible for the free meal options (above) on the days they are utilizing Trifecta (the UFC PI’s nutrition program) meals.
Testing, Social Distancing, and PPE
Athletes and corners will be tested four times
Pre-departure
Upon arrival at the airport
In the hotel room, once results come back from Test 2
On weigh-in day
Fighters will be required to wear facemasks and gloves whenever they are outside of their rooms or workout rooms.
The UFC will provide athletes with PPE.
The UFC asks athletes and corners to remain two meters apart whenever possible.
Hotel rooms will be cleaned every 48 hours.
Communal Areas
No more than 21 people are allowed in the hotel gym at a time.
Every two hours, the gym will be closed for short cleaning.
The gym is open 24 hours but due to capacity restrictions is only accessible to athletes and camps from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
No towels or water stations will be provided.
Individuals must disinfect equipement after use.
The pool and spa are closed.
Local Area
Shops: There are no shops or stores located in the safe zone, with the exception of a “basic shop” in the hotel.
Restaurants: There are options for dining in the Yas Plaza hotel area.
Golf course: A golf course on the premises will be open to athletes.
“Other attractions” will also be open.
Food deliveries must enter through a designated “safe zone”
Food deliveries are not permitted unless they are deemed “business essential.”
UFC 'Fight Island' inside look: Fight week operations, hotel protocols, more