UFC 249: Fighters could lose pay for criticising Covid-19 safety measures

Justin Gaethje lands a shot on Tony Ferguson in their interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249. AFP

Justin Gaethje of the United States celebrates after defeating compatriot Tony Ferguson in their interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249 at VyStar. Getty

Tony Ferguson (red gloves) fights Justin Gaethje during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Getty

Justin Gaethje punches Tony Ferguson in their interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249. AFP

Justin Gaethje lands a blow on Tony Ferguson during their fight at UFC 249. Reuters

Tony Ferguson kicks Justin Gaethje in their interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249. AFP

Justin Gaethje lands a punch on Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. Reuters

Justin Gaethje punches Tony Ferguson in their interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249. AFP

Henry Cejudo, left, of the United States is announced winner over compatriot Dominick Cruz of their bantamweight title fight during UFC 249. AFP

Henry Cejudo, left, fights Dominick Cruz in an all-American fight at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. AFP

Henry Cejudo poses with his bantamweight title belt won at the UFC 249 on Saturday night in Florida. AFP

Jeremy Stephens, right, of the United States fights fellow American Calvin Kattar in their featherweight bout at UFC 249. AFP

Calvin Kattar, left, knocks down Jeremy Stephens at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. AFP

Anthony Pettis, right, kicks Donald Cerrone in their welterweight fight during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. AFP

Members of the media watch the Heavyweight fight between Aleksei Oleinik of Russia and Fabricio Werdum of Brazil during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. AFP

Calvin Kattar punches Jeremy Stephens even as his rival falls at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. AFP

Greg Hardy, right, of the United States punches Yorgan De Castro of Cape Verde in their UFC 249 heavyweight fight. AFP

Anthony Pettis, left, and Donald Cerrone during their welterweight fight in Jacksonville, Florida. AFP

Fighters taking part at UFC 249 in Florida could find themselves out of pocket if they publicly criticise the mixed martial art promotion's health and safety precautions for Covid-19, according to a report.

While most sports and leagues are still under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, UFC staged the first of three cards in eight days in Jacksonville, Florida, on Saturday, with Justin Gaethje capturing the UFC interim lightweight title with a dominant victory over Tony Ferguson is the main event.

Before competing, fighters were asked to sign an eight-page event participation agreement, Reuters reported.

A non-disparagement clause in the undated agreement states that "the Participant will not suggest or communicate to any person or entity" that the events "have been or will be held without appropriate health, safety or other precautions, whether relating to Covid-19 or otherwise."

The agreement goes on to say that if a fighter does breach this clause, "the Company may revoke all or any part of any prize monies or awards won ... including, but not limited to, purses, win bonuses, other fight-related bonuses and event-based merchandise royalties."

While fighters are signed exclusively to the leading MMA promotion, they are not employees of the UFC. As independent contractors, fighters rely heavily on purses and bonuses for their performances in the octagon.

A UFC spokesperson declined to comment on the clause and the possibility of penalties being imposed on fighters, instead referring to comments Dana White gave to Yahoo in which the UFC president said that fighters would not be punished for airing their opinions about the health and safety arrangements.

A planned middleweight bout between Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza and Uriah Hall on Saturday was called off after Souza tested positive for coronavirus following his arrival in Florida.