Henry Cejudo (photo via UFC / Twitter)

By FCF Staff

Following the UFC’s announcement the promotion plans to hold three events in Jacksonville next month, amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the promotions released a health and safety statement.

On Friday, the UFC confirmed plans to promote cards on May 9th, 13th and 16th at Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. In addition, the promotion released this statement.

Health and safety have long been a priority for UFC and we have set the standards for our industry. In light of the current circumstances, we plan to implement further enhanced safety measures as we return to producing live events.

UFC events scheduled for May 9, May 13, and May 16 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida will be fully sanctioned by the Florida State Boxing Commission and will comply with all of the regulations governing professional MMA events. We have worked closely with our medical staff and state and local officials, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham, to ensure the appropriate health and safety protocols are in place.

Pursuant to a request from the Florida State Boxing Commission, these events will be closed to the public and will be produced with only essential personnel in attendance. All athletes and staff will be required to adhere to a number of precautionary measures, such as participating in advanced medical screenings and temperature checks and following social distancing guidelines.

On behalf of the fans, athletes, and employees, UFC thanks Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Florida State Boxing Commission Executive Director Patrick Cunningham, and our media partners, including ESPN and ESPN+, for their support as we resume our events.

The UFC has been forced to postpone several events due to the pandemic, since it’s last event took place on March 14th in Brasilia, Brazil.