The UFC returned to action last night with UFC 249, which saw Justin Gaethje defeat Tony Ferguson by fifth round TKO in the main event to claim the vacant UFC Interim Lightweight Title.
This event went on during the coronavirus pandemic and is one of three UFC cards taking place this week in Jacksonville, Florida.
One fighter in Ronaldo Souza, who was scheduled to face Uriah Hall in a preliminary card bout at UFC 249, did test positive for the coronavirus.
In an attempt to curb any future issues, a report has surfaced from Ariel Helwani of ESPN stating that an email has been sent to fighters and their reps asking if they have any coronavirus symptoms or if they were exposed to others who may have had the virus.
Earlier today, UFC sent an email to all fighters (& reps) competing on the next 2 cards, per sources. They were asked to answer ASAP before flying to Jax:
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 10, 2020
Do you have any symptoms of fever, shortness of breath or coughing?
Have you had any exposure to anyone that may have COVID?
The next two cards are on May 13 & 16 in Jacksonville, as well. This appears to be a modification to their process following the Jacare Souza situation from last week.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 10, 2020
Only two UFC fighters have contracted the virus thus far, with those being the aforementioned Souza and Lyman Good.
