UFC 249 Fighters to Undergo COVID-19 Testing Prior to Saturday’s Event

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While the Ultimate Fighting Championship last week outlined new protocol in place — including a battery of medical tests — ahead of UFC 249, whether or not those screenings included coronavirus testing was initially unclear.

According to an email obtained by MMAjunkie.com and sent to UFC 249 fighters by the UFC Performance Institute, all of Saturday’s competitors will be tested for COVID-19 by the promotion’s medical staff.

“Upon completion of the UFC Medical Team administered COVID-19 test,” the letter 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.”

What the email does not specify is how many times the athletes will tested for coronavirus, and the specific type of testing is also not revealed. According to a report from ESPN confirmed through anonymous sources, the UFC will administer a diagnostic swab coronavirus test and an antibody test to the fighters and their corners. It is unclear how long it will take to receive the results of the tests.

In previous weeks, UFC president Dana White had been adamant that the promotion would emphasize safety and testing at upcoming events, but he did not reveal if coronavirus testing would be part of that protocol.

UFC 249 takes place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida and is headlined by an interim lightweight championship clash between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. The main card airs on pay-per-view via ESPN+ following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.