UFC President Dana White wanted a major fight card weeks ago. He was confident his team could pull it off. Coronavirus testing. Fan-free arena. Social distancing. Self-isolation. White looked at all those unprecedented details that seemed too complex and too risky to some outsiders as merely extra challenges. White and the UFC ended up with a rousing show at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. UFC 249 could serve as a blueprint for sports leagues around the country and the world as they start to resume during a global pandemic.
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Gregory Payan/AP
Dominick Cruz throws a right against TJ Dillashaw in their mixed martial arts title bout at UFC Fight Night 81, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Boston. Cruz won via split decision and is the new UFC Bantamweight Champion. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
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