As he prepares for his main event fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 249, Tony Ferguson provided an up-close look at coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, and it doesn't look fun.
"COVID-19 testing, essential to the game," Ferguson wrote on Instagram.
He can be heard in the video saying, "It felt weird." No doubt, as the CDC procedures for the test sound intrusive.
From the CDC:
Insert minitip swab with a flexible shaft (wire or plastic) through the nostril parallel to the palate (not upwards) until resistance is encountered or the distance is equivalent to that from the ear to the nostril of the patient, indicating contact with the nasopharynx. Swab should reach depth equal to distance from nostrils to outer opening of the ear. Gently rub and roll the swab. Leave swab in place for several seconds to absorb secretions. Slowly remove swab while rotating it.
Carla Esparza, who's fighting Michelle Waterson on Saturday, also posted a video of her test, and didn't find it a pleasant experience, either.
Dr. Donald Muzzi will be the chief ringside physician for the Florida State Boxing Commission at UFC 249 and feels as though the event is safe enough as long as the proper precautions are met.
"In today's world, it's as safe as possible," Muzzi told ESPN. "We're living in a new normal. We can do closed events, limiting the amount of people. Those that are working will be practicing social distancing."
MMA Fighting reported earlier this week that fighters will undergo both swab and antibody tests. The swab tests an active presence in the body while the antibody tests to see if someone has been exposed to COVID-19. The antibody test is done via a blood sample.
In addition to those tests, fighters will also have daily temperature checks. They'll also be questioned to see if they have any coronavirus symptoms. The results from the tests are expected to become available before the main event on Saturday.