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With one week left until UFC 251 sets sail live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from Yas Island in Abu Dhabi more details regarding “Fight Island” have emerged.
Per a recent report by Yahoo’s Kevin Iole, UFC’s chief operating officer Lawrence Epstein has confirmed that the promotion will utilize a 30-foot Octagon for the upcoming fight cards in Abu Dhabi. This is a change of pace from the smaller 25-foot cage used at the UFC APEX facility for the last five events in Las Vegas. Many believe the smaller Octagon results in more finishes because it forces fighters to engage, but things will go back to normal for the promotion’s next four events.
In addition to the larger Octagon, Epstein also confirmed that UFC may allow select VIP guests to attend the events. This is also a change of pace from what fight fans have grown accustomed to seeing these past few months with empty crowds and zero onlookers outside of cornermen, judges, and ring girls. Epstein explained that the decision to allow special guests to attend the fights hasn’t been finalized, but the promotion would only extend invites to less than two dozen people.
Epstein reiterated that “Fight Island” will remain closed to the public and social distancing measures will be followed at all times.
With more people potentially involved in the “Fight Island” festivities it’s imperative that the promotion follows its revamped COVID-19 safety procedures. UFC has already began to test fighters for coronavirus before flying them out to “Fight Island” and it has resulted in a few fight cancellations.
“One of the reasons we’re doing so much testing on the front end is so that we want to do whatever we can to make sure no one tests positive once they’re there,” Epstein said. “But we will have that dedicated area ready in case we have any positive tests.”
Check out a map of “Fight Island’s” safe zone below courtesy of UFC:
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courtesy of UFC
“Fight Island” has been in the works since UFC president Dana White introduced the idea back in April. The entire “Fight Island” project has cost UFC a considerable amount of money and time to put together, but the promotion finally has a place to host international fights amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Dana has had some great ideas over the years, but I think this one may be at the top of the list,” said Epstein.
UFC 251 will be the first event to take place on “Fight Island” on July 11. It will feature three title fights, including a main event welterweight bout between champion Kamaru Usman and red-hot contender Gilbert Burns.
For more UFC 251 fight card news click here.