The combat sports capital of the world is once again open for business -- to a limited degree. The Nevada State Athletic Commission met Wednesday to discuss resuming combat sports operations after the May 14 decision to suspend activities because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The commission met via phone with a focus on COVID-19 protocols. NSAC has recently worked with Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory in Salt Lake City to develop testing procedures for the virus, the central thing to safely managing to return to live events taking place in the state.
Prior to the meeting, the UFC and Top Rank Boxing had both set plans to return to Nevada. After hosting a trio of events in Jacksonville, Florida, the UFC will return to Las Vegas starting Saturday with a UFC Fight Night card from the Apex center. Top Rank similarly plans to resume operations with multiple cards taking place each week, beginning on June 9 and 11 from the MGM Grand.
Less than 15 minutes after the meeting began, the UFC's May 30 and June 6 events was swiftly approved. NSAC executive director Bob Bennett said the commission had been working "hand in glove" with UFC in preparation for the sport's return.
The unanimous commission approval came moments after similarly unanimous approval of the new COVID-19 safety protocols. Similarly, the planned Top Rank events were approved for both requested dates. It was revealed the Top Rank cards will take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand.
