UFC ramps up COVID-19 testing for Las Vegas return to avoid repeat of ‘Jacare’ debacle

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is ramping up its COVID-19 testing procedures for the promotion’s return to Las Vegas, expected to take place this Sat. night (May 30, 2020) on ESPN from inside UFC APEX facility, pending approval of Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).

In an effort to avoid another Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza debacle, which jeopardized the UFC 249 event earlier this month in Jacksonville, the promotion will require all fighters to take (and pass) two diagnostic swab tests. One upon arrival in Las Vegas and a second following Friday’s weigh ins.

That’s according to MMA Junkie.

Self-isolation is mandatory following both tests. Athletes will not be permitted to have contact with anyone outside of his/her immediate camp while awaiting results and leaving the fighter hotel is strictly prohibited. In addition, there will be no access to the nearby UFC Performance Institute.

Sounds like fun.

UFC on ESPN 9 will be headlined by the welterweight showdown pitting former 170-pound champion Tyron Woodley against surging division bruiser Gilbert Burns. Elsewhere on the card, Blagoy Ivanov and Augusto Sakai collide in heavyweight action while Kevin Holland and Daniel Rodriguez hook ‘em up at 170 pounds.

See the finalized UFC on ESPN 9 fight card and line up right here.