The UFC has warned internationally-based UFC fighters that their upcoming fights might be impacted due to new travel requirements from the United States government.
UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell issued a memo to fighters, coaches, and managers informing them that foreign individuals will need to be fully vaccinated with one of the WHO approved vaccines if they intent to fly to the U.S. starting Nov. 8.
“Fully vaccinated travellers will also be required to show a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of travel prior to boarding their flight,” UFC officials said in the memo, which was first reported by MMA Junkie. “This policy also applies to foreign nationals crossing the land borders with Canada and Mexico or arriving in the United States by passenger ferry.”
The UFC, which does not require any of the fighters on its roster to get vaccinated, stressed that the memo should not be interpreted as a change in the UFC’s policy.
“To be clear, this is NOT a UFC policy. UFC is not requiring you to get vaccinated. We are simply communicating the new guidelines recently announced by the U.S. government.”
Beyond UFC 267, which is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the organization does not have any other international events planned for the foreseeable future. Consequently, the UFC urged its fighters to “consider your options,” which included “traveling to the United States before this new U.S. government policy takes effect” or to make arrangement to take the appropriate vaccine. Some fighters have already enlisted to take the COVID-19 vaccine, including UFC flyweight Jake Hadley.
“Covid jab booked for Sunday,” Hadley tweeted along with several crying emojis.
About the author
