Donald Trump Congratulates UFC for Restarting Sports
Carla Esparza of the United States fights Michelle Waterson of the United States in their Women's strawweight fight during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 9
Photographer: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
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Jacksonville, Fla. (AP) -- Kicks, punches and grunts echoed through the empty arena. Coaches, commentators and camera clicks resonated like never before. Blood, sweat, swollen eyelids and face masks signaled the return of UFC, the first major sporting event to resume since the coronavirus shuttered much of the country for nearly two months.
UFC 249 ushered in a new look for sports, too. One without fans and amid several safety precautions.