While the rest of the sports world remains shut down during the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic, the UFC is set to become the first major American sports organization to return. Starting May 9 with UFC 249, the promotion will hold three events in eight days behind closed doors.

How is the promotion pulling this off? What’s it like being part of this unprecedented moment in history? What’s happening behind the scenes? MMA Junkie lead staff reporter John Morgan is on site to provide a first-hand account of the experience in Jacksonville, Fla.

Check back for daily updates.

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Day 1

‘A fight week like no other’

After arriving on scene and working through the necessary procedures, I settled into my hotel room and had a chance to reflect on the initial experience. Check out the video below to hear my overall observations from the first day in Jacksonville.

Tested for COVID-19

As the UFC had informed credentialed media ahead of time, checking into the host hotel was complete with COVID-19 screening, including the now infamous nasal swab test. It was quite the experience that I must admit I did not like one bit.

Landing in Jacksonville

The airport in Jacksonville upon arrival? Empty.

Time for takeoff

It just so happens that Francis Ngannou and his coaches, Eric Nicksick and Dewey Cooper of Xtreme Couture, were on the same 5 a.m. flight as me out of Las Vegas.