How the UFC Managed to Maintain Stature Despite the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the way we go about our daily lives. With the majority of sports being canceled, the UFC seemed like the least likely candidate for continuation. Let’s be realistic, a contest dedicated to beating your opponent to a bloody pulp doesn’t seem extremely sanitary. However, the UFC has somehow managed to prevail, despite all realistic expectations. In fact, I’m watching Holm Vs. Aldana, as I write. How’d they stayed afloat? Let’s talk about it. 

The UFC doesn’t host events with fans in attendance. The commentators are separated, as are the press representatives. As one would expect, fighters must undergo a multitude of extensive testing and isolation before the competition begins. A sport like MMA doesn’t exactly earn the reputation of a clean-cut competition. 

The UFC has been featuring a multitude of cards, almost weekly. They’ve revealed the premiere of the long-awaited “Fight Island,” a UFC fighting bubble stationed in Abu Dhabi. In total, the construction took over 400,000 working hours. Since the official outbreak in march, they’ve hosted around 30 events. 

The fighters are tested for the virus before they board their planes to head out to the destination. Only upon the receiving of a negative result may they commence with the process. Once they’ve arrived, they’re tested once again. The hotels are cleaned on an hourly basis, and disinfectant sprayers are frequently utilized around the arenas and hotels. However, success can mainly be attributed to previous testing. The venue acts as a highly sterilized bubble, so the strict guidelines for entrance keep it clean. The island is classified as a “safe zone,” where the general public is forbidden from entering. In total, each attendee (fighter, staff, coach, etc.) undergoes around 5 COVID tests during their island stay. 

Of course, social distancing laws still apply. Masks are mandated as well. Overall, the UFC has done a phenomenal job with the application of their protocols. They reported a 0.4% frequency of positive between May 30 and June 27, showing the immense safety precautions that have been taken on the island. While the contests don’t feature fans, they still bring joy to millions of quarantined individuals located across the globe. 

Fight Island has been a massive success thus far. Not only does it act as a useful gimmick for the UFC franchise and brand image, but it proves that humanity can overcome all odds and that sports will always prevail in the face of adversity, no matter how deadly it is.