Mike Grundy not taking any chances ahead of UFC return

The 33-year-old is busy preparing for his long-awaited return to the octagon – and can’t risk it being KO’d by coronavirus.

One fighter has already had to withdraw from a UFC fight because of a positive test, and Grundy is not taking any chances.

He will be tested twice before he even reaches his hotel in Abu Dhabi, ahead of his July 25 fight.

The featherweight said: “We’re sparring again now but every precaution is being taken. Fighters are told if you’ve any symptoms, however slight, not to train.

“All the equipment is being wiped down and as soon as training is done, I’m straight home. I’ve got to be really strict with it all.

“At the end of the day, this is my livelihood.

“I’ve seen the itinerary and we get tested 48 hours before we fly out, and quarantine until we know it’s negative, and then when we land we get tested again.

“There’s then another test before the fight, so it’s good that they are doing things keeping everyone safe.”

Grundy, who won his UFC debut in March last year, will take on Russian Movsar Evloev at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi as part of the UFC’s four ‘Fight Island’ events.

Meanwhile, he has spoken of his frustration that gyms, including his own Elite Fitness Factory at Eckersley Mill, must remain closed even though pubs and restaurants can reopen this weekend.

“The other director, Danny, said maybe we should hand out a can of Stella to people as they come in and say it’s a bar,” he said.

“I don’t understand how they can open pubs and not a gym if they can meet social distance requirements, which we can. It doesn’t make sense.

“It’s about getting people back active and their mental health.”