UFC Issues Healthy And Safety Statement As Three Events Are Confirmed For Florida

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The UFC has issued a lengthy statement focusing on healthy and safety ahead of their intended return to action on May 9th in Jacksonville, Florida, where it’s now been confirmed that three events in the space of 8 days have been scheduled.

The statement explains that fighters will have to adhere to social distancing guidelines where possible in additional to “advanced” medical screening and temperature checks and that the event has the backing of key figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, the Florida Boxing Commission and ESPN.

Read the UFC’s full statement below.

“Health and safety have long been a priority for UFC and we have set the standards for our industry. In light of the current circumstances, we plan to implement further enhanced safety measures as we return to producing live events.

UFC events scheduled for May 9, May 13, and May 16 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida will be fully sanctioned by the Florida State Boxing Commission and will comply with all of the regulations governing professional MMA events.

We have worked closely with our medical staff and state and local officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham, to ensure the appropriate health and safety protocols are in place.

Pursuant to a request from the Florida State Boxing Commission, these events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance.

All athletes and staff will be required to adhere to a number of precautionary measures, such as participating in advanced medical screenings and temperature checks and following social distancing guidelines.

On behalf of the fans, athletes, and employees, UFC thanks Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham, and our media partners, including ESPN and ESPN+, for their support as we resume our events.”

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.