The UFC is following a different protocol ahead of its “Fight Island” series in Abu Dhabi in July.
While athletes were tested for COVID-19 upon arrival for fight week in Las Vegas, which led to a few last-minute fight cancellations and shuffles, the company has decided to get everyone involved, such as coaches and cornermen, tested before leaving for United Arab Emirates, multiple sources told MMA Fighting.
United States-based fighters will be sent to Las Vegas in early July to get tested for coronavirus before flying on a chartered flight to Abu Dhabi.
Eight of the 26 fighters scheduled to compete at UFC 251 on July 11 are based in Brazil, and the UFC will have them all fly to Sao Paulo on the first day of the month for COVID-19 testing.