UFC Updates Fighters Affected By COVID-19 Policies

The UFC sends a memo to UFC fighters about the U.S. government’s policy for COVID-19 vaccines and travel.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters based outside of the U.S. might have trouble entering the country.

UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell issued a memo to fighters on Tuesday addressing changes to the U.S. international travel requirement, particularly as it pertains to COVID-19 vaccines. A copy of the memo was acquired and published by MMA Junkie.

“Foreign national air travelers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of their vaccination status to fly to the United States,” Campbell wrote. “Fully vaccinated travelers will also be required to show a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel prior to boarding their flight. This policy also applies to foreign nationals crossing the land borders with Canada and Mexico or arriving in the United States by passenger ferry.

“To be clear, this is NOT a UFC policy,” he continues. “UFC is not requiring you to get vaccinated. We are simply communicating the new guidelines recently announced by the U.S. government.”

Campbell’s statement is in line with UFC President Dana White’s opposition to vaccine mandates.

“You should consider your options, such as traveling to the United States before this new U.S. government policy takes effect, or if you choose, make arrangements to take the appropriate vaccination.

“…This policy takes effect on November 8, leaving very little time to make arrangements if you are fighting on a UFC card in November. If you choose to travel to the U.S. before the new policy takes effect, you will need a waiver if you are traveling from one of the restricted countries. Please contact the UFC Immigration team at (redacted contact information) so we can ensure you have a valid travel waiver in place… It is unclear at this time what parameters will be applied to U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) who are not vaccinated.”

UFC events scheduled for November include UFC 268: “Usman vs. Covington 2” in New York City on Nov. 6, UFC Vegas 42: “Holloway vs. Rodriguez” in Las Vegas on Nov. 13, and UFC Vegas 43: “Vieira vs. Tate” in Vegas on Nov. 20.

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