UFC Shares Out Health & Safety Statement, After Confirming Three Cards For Jacksonville

Since the UFC’s announced it is going to hold cards on May 9th, 13th and 16th in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the promotion’s almost certainly going to be scrutinized over those plans. As a result, the UFC has shared out a health and safety statement.

Health and safety statement

On Friday, the UFC confirmed that UFC 249 will take place in Jacksonsville, Florida on May 9th at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. In addition, that same venue will also hold events on May 13th and 16th.

UFC 249 will mark the first time since March 14th that the promotion has held an event, as multiple cards have been postponed due to the pandemic. Following Friday’s news about the planned cards, the UFC posted this statement.

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.

Hopefully all the fighters, staff and personnel involved emerge from the card safe and healthy.

UFC 249 line-up

Here is the planned card for the May 9th, UFC 249 event (via MMA Fighting).

UFC 249 Main Card (pay-per-view on ESPN+)

Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje (interim lightweight title fight)

Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz (bantamweight title fight)

Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik

Jeremy Stephens vs. Calvin Kattar

Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan De Castro

Preliminary Card (ESPN)

Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis

Fabricio Werdum vs. Aleksei Oleinik

Carla Esparza vs. Michelle Waterson

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Uriah Hall

Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price

Bryce Mitchell vs. Charles Rosa

Ryan Spann vs. Sam Alvey