UFC Will Reportedly Have 1,200 Testing Kits for Coronavirus Available for UFC 249

According to Sports Business Journal reporter, John Ourand, UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein revealed that the fight promotion will have 1,200 testing kits available for this weekend’s UFC 249 event in Jacksonville.

Epstein stated on the testing kits, “In the early days of this epidemic, the testing capacity had to be focused exclusively on first responders. Now with testing capacity expanding, many of these tests that organizations like ours are getting access to don’t impact that testing.” Epstein noted that he’s already been tested several times.

Additionally, UFC submitted a 25-page operational manual to the Florida State Athletic Commission which detailed on how the organization will hold events in the state during the coronavirus pandemic. The same plan was also submitted to the state of Nevada, which still isn’t open for MMA fight cards yet.

Testing protocols involve everyone getting screened once they arrive in Jacksonville. After that, athletes and staff will receive additional testing throughout this week.

The fight card is slated for May 9. It will be held in Jacksonville, Florida at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The event will be closed to the general public. UFC also has fight cards set for May 13 and May 16, which will also be held in Jacksonville.

UFC has 1,200+ coronavirus tests on hand to make sure its fighters stay safe this weekend. COO Lawrence Epstein walked me through its plans. SBJ Media is live: 🔒https://t.co/JbM1hvBztb🔒 pic.twitter.com/KSP2RfLhc3

— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) May 6, 2020