Like other major sports organizations in the age of the omicron variant, the UFC has changed its health and safety protocols pertaining to COVID-19.
Entering UFC 270, athletes and corners competing on the card have been notified that fully-vaccinated individuals will no longer need to test or quarantine outside of a pre-departure PCR or antigen test, according to a memo acquired by MMA Junkie. Proof of vaccination will be required, and individuals will be reimbursed for any costs incurred for the pre-departure tests.
Unvaccinated individuals will still need to test and quarantine on fight week. They will test twice onsite – once upon arrival (Monday through Wednesday) at the host hotel and once Thursday of fight week. Athletes had previously been tested once upon arrival and once Friday (weigh-in day). Unvaccinated individuals who arrive Thursday or later will only need to test once. Quarantining will be required until the first test comes back negative.
