Los Angeles (AFP)
The association of ring medical officers (ARP), in charge of training and supervising the medical supervision of combat sports worldwide, has given the green light for a resumption of combat by prescribing " precautions against coronavirus ".
"Although it is impossible to eliminate all the risks associated with Covid-19, precautions can be taken to reduce the risks of viral transmission," the ARP said in a statement released on Saturday.
"These precautions for holding meetings and events must be actively implemented, regularly revised and modified on the basis of new scientific information available to public health authorities," she added.
In April, the ARP announced that it advocated the suspension of all boxing or mixed martial arts (MMA) events to avoid the propagation of the Covid-19.
In the United States, the main organizer of MMA fights, the UFC, has planned to organize a first meeting, with twelve fights including that for the lightweight title between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje, next Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida . She will fight behind closed doors in front of television cameras, like the ones scheduled for May 13 and 16.
Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry called the UFC plans "safe and responsible".
Last month, Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis awarded professional sport "essential service" status in his state during the coronavirus pandemic, along with hospitals, fire departments and grocers.
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