NSAC Grants Approval for UFC on ESPN 9 and UFC 250 Cards in Las Vegas

MMA Weekly reports that the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has granted approval for combat sports promoters to start holding events without live audiences in attendance. That means UFC is in the clear to move ahead with UFC on ESPN 9: Woodley vs. Burns later this weekend and UFC 250 the following weekend at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, so those events have been approved to move forward.

NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett commented on working with the UFC for the upcoming card, “We’ve been working hand in glove with the UFC. I’m aware of their operations plan and everything has been moving ahead (in accordance) with their operation plan and our protocols.”

Before approving the next two fight cards, the NSAC also approved its own protocols for the coronavirus. However, the details on those protocols were not discussed during a recent meeting. Additionally, the NSAC unanimously approved the new protocols, along with request by the UFC to hold its upcoming events.

The UFC previously held three events in Jacksonville, Florida that were closed to the general public which utilized their own operation plan and protocols for the coronavirus. Per the report, those events helped form a blueprint for Nevada and other pro sports leagues to follow later on. As noted, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and two of his cornermen tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of UFC 250. As a result, Jacare was pulled from the card prior to the fights taking place.

Since the three cards in Jacksonville, there haven’t been any other public notifications for positive COVID-19 test results. All those in attendance were tested multiple times that week. There were reportedly 11000 coronavirus tests processed during that week, per Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White.

The fight promotion’s next card will be headlined by a welterweight contest between former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley against Gilbert Burns. The fight card is slated for Saturday, May 30 at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be closed to the general public and broadcast live on ESPN.