Report: Fight Island Protocols & Fight Week Operations Revealed

There are no UFC events left on the calendar for June, but the promotion will hold four events in July in just two weeks on Fight Island, which is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

A lot has already been revealed about Fight Island, including the coronavirus protocols everybody involved in the four UFC cards will have to go through.

However, a report from MMA Junkie has now revealed more information about what the fighters and their support staff will go through before each event.

First off, all fighters and their corners will check into Fight Island approximately five days before the card they fight on, while no changes will be made to how weigh-ins are conducted. The start times for each card is going to be early in the morning local time, with UFC 251 beginning at 2am, UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Ige beginning at 3am, UFC Fight Night: Figueiredo vs. Benavidez II starting at 1am and UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Till starting at 1am.

Hotel Information

A ballroom has been converted into a gym with cardio equipment.

Each athlete will receive “sufficient accommodation for themselves and all of their camp.”

Each athlete will receive a private workout area with mats – a converted bedroom, close to the room they are staying in.

Cleaning products will be supplied to the athletes, as well as a portable sauna.

Athletes will not have access to the rooms until they pass COVID-19 tests.

Dining/Food

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided to each athlete, as well as $150 credit/per day for ala carte items.

Three dining options are available – two restaurants (which will only allow 30 percent capacity) or in-room dining. There are also a handful of out-of-pocket restaurants on the premises.

Athletes will not be eligible for the free meal options (above) on the days they are utilizing Trifecta (the UFC PI’s nutrition program) meals.

Coronavirus Testing

Athletes and corners will be tested four times

Pre-departure

Upon arrival at the airport

In the hotel room, once results come back from Test 2

On weigh-in day

Fighters will be required to wear facemasks and gloves whenever they are outside of their rooms or workout rooms.

The UFC will provide athletes with PPE.

The UFC asks athletes and corners to remain two meters apart whenever possible.

Hotel rooms will be cleaned every 48 hours.

Community Areas

No more than 21 people are allowed in the hotel gym at a time.

Every two hours, the gym will be closed for short cleaning.

The gym is open 24 hours but due to capacity restrictions is only accessible to athletes and camps from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

No towels or water stations will be provided.

Individuals must disinfect equipment after use.

The pool and spa are closed.

Area Around Fight Island

Shops: There are no shops or stores located in the safe zone, with the exception of a “basic shop” in the hotel.

Restaurants: There are options for dining in the Yas Plaza hotel area.

Golf course: A golf course on the premises will be open to athletes.

“Other attractions” will also be open.

Food deliveries must enter through a designated “safe zone”

Food deliveries are not permitted unless they are deemed “business essential.”