Coronavirus First Major Professional Sporting Event Tonight

Fight Island, Indian Casinos, Vegas, Denver, Florida

The UFC is fighting tonight! The first major sporting event during the coronavirus epidemic. The UFC is the premier organization for mixed martial arts, much like the NFL for football.

UFC President Dana White almost pulled off UFC 249 on April 18 by moving the event to an Indian Casino in California to avoid quarantine rules. But just days before the event, California Governor Newsom, Senator Feinstein, and as Dana White put it, the highest people at Disney/ESPN (UFC partners), told him to cancel.

So then he bought an island, called it Fight Island, that could not be touched by quarantine restrictions, location still undisclosed, and began constructing facilities to make the fight happen. It seemed like something out of a video game or a Bruce Lee movie.

While Dana confirmed he is still constructing the necessary infrastructure on his island, Florida, who deemed sports an essential business, offered to host the event.

And here we go.

The UFC is determined to make sure they do everything right as the world is watching. Safety measures include no crowd / audience; everyone in building, fighter, referee, camera crew member, etc., will be tested for the coronavirus; during weigh-ins, fighters wore masks and gloves; and other precautions.

If they bring this event off without becoming a coronavirus hotspot of infection, I am sure numerous other sporting events will start. The UFC already has two more fight nights scheduled in Florida on May 13 and May 16.

If anyone can do this right, I imagine it will be the UFC as they have the Big Mouse looking over their shoulder helping ensure it is done right.

One fighter tested positive for the coronavirus two days ago and he is now in quarantine.

We are going for a ride, I hope it is a smooth one.

Take care and be safe.

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