3. Event presentation
The UFC returned to Las Vegas for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic rocked the foundation of American sports and led to a drastic change in how event procedures are implemented.
The promotion’s three-event stretch in Jacksonville, Fla., earlier this month had a number of protocols that were not explicitly followed, and things were far more buttoned up in Nevada. At least from all outside appearances, anyway.
There were no in-cage interviews and face masks were mandatory for nearly everyone in attendance. The latter oversight even caused UFC president Dana White to watch the fights from his private room instead of cageside, which is quite on brand.
Nevertheless, the product came off well from the UFC Apex, and it’s only going to get better. No one is completely out of the woods until post-fight COVID-19 tests return negative, but the UFC appears to have found its groove in this new reality. It’s likely things only get more finely tuned as the weeks roll on.
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