While the rest of the sports world remains shut down during the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, the UFC is set to become the first major American sports organization to return. Starting May 9 with UFC 249, the promotion will hold three events in eight days behind closed doors.
How is the promotion pulling this off? What’s it like being part of this unprecedented moment in history? What’s happening behind the scenes? MMA Junkie lead staff reporter John Morgan is on site to provide a first-hand account of the experience in Jacksonville, Fla.
Check back for daily updates.
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Day 1
‘A fight week like no other’
Check out the video to hear my overall observations from the first day in Jacksonville.
[jwplayer jcEEtpUe-RbnemIYZ]
Tested for COVID-19
As the UFC had informed credentialed media ahead of time, checking into the host hotel was complete with COVID-19 screening, including the nasal swab test. It was quite the experience that I did not like one bit.
Not going to lie – I did not particularly enjoy this experience, but the test isn't nearly as bad as I was making it out to be in my mind. Thank you to @AdamHillLVRJ for filming from a safe distance. #UFC249 pic.twitter.com/nkTvwX8oQN
— John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) May 6, 2020
Landing in Jacksonville
The airport in Jacksonville upon arrival? Empty.
.@MMAJunkieJohn has touched down in Jacksonville to cover a "fight week like no other."
Follow him for #UFC249 coverage from on the ground. Lots to come in the days ahead. pic.twitter.com/V2miHb9ttd
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) May 6, 2020
Time for takeoff
It just so happens that [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] and his coaches, Eric Nicksick and Dewey Cooper of Xtreme Couture, were on the same 5 a.m. flight as me out of Las Vegas.
Not normally a selfie kind of guy, but these are unique times. Can confirm @francis_ngannou is en route to Florida for #UFC249. pic.twitter.com/nmCRti1u6d
— John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) May 6, 2020