Behind the scenes: Fight Island sneak peek

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all major sports leagues in the country were forced to seize action. The UFC had to improvise and the idea of “Fight Island” was teased for months. The UFC needed a place to host international fights.

The Yas Island in Abu Dhabi will host 3 events in the span of one month. The cards are scheduled for July 11, July 15, July 18, and July 25. 

We are now just days away from the long-anticipated event. The UFC has released an inside look at Fight Island. 

UFC President, Dana White, released a behind the scenes video on what it took to bring Fight Island to life. Reportedly, it took 400,000 total man-hours to get everything up and running.

“This is the first look at the testing and infrastructure being built on Fight Island (Yas Island, Abu Dhabi). This experience is going to so BADASS for my fighters and my staff!!! #InAbuDhabi,” Dana posted.

Image via @danawhite on Instagram

Image via @danawhite on Instagram

There will even be an octagon alongside the beach for aesthetics, the fights will take plave on the beach octagon.

This week the promotion notified all staff and fighters of the procedures and restrictions that will take place. The two-page document provides fighters schedules, hotel accommodations, testing guidelines, PPE, workout spaces, and much more.  

Schedule

Testing

• All fighters and cornerman will be tested four times

1. 1. Pre-departure
   2. Upon arrival at the airport
   3. In the hotel room, once results come back from Test 2
   4. 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 protective equipment.
• Social distancing will be practiced. All teams will remain 6ft apart whenever possible.
• Hotel rooms will be cleaned every 48 hours.

Hotel

• The hotel has been converted a ballroom 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, as well as a portable sauna.
• Cleaning products will be supplied to the athletes.
• Athletes will not have access to the rooms until they pass COVID-19 tests.

As the UFC prepares final details for Fight Island, fighters have begun to make their journey to Abu Dhabi. Many fighter have posted on social media the numerous COVID-19 tests they have taken. The UFC is placing strict regulations on the UFC’s “bubble” to ensure a safe environment.

What event are you looking forward to the most at Fight Island?