Mountain Force Fights Return to Idaho with Safety Protocols In Place.

Idaho Falls, ID. 

Sept 5, 2020

James Wayne

Mountain Force MMA have started hosting fight nights again. However, theses fight nights aren't what they used to be like before covid-19 took over the world. 

So what is different? For starters Mountain Force now has to submit a Covid-19 Social Distancing and Safety Protocol plan to both local and/or state health departments as well as the Athletic Commissions they are sanctioned under. 

Under the new guidelines & plan, fighters are required to now test for Covid-19 about 4 to 5 days prior to weigh-ins. This is in addition to the bloodwork (Hep B, Hep C, & HIV) already required to compete. A negative Covid test is required for competition. Self isolation is encouraged after testing to minimize the fighter's risk of infection. Also, a track record of their whereabouts after testing is also encouraged. So if anyone who they were around tested positive for Covid, they would need to take extra precaution or retest.  

Mask wearing is mandatory when a fighter is not warming up or in competition.  Corners and all participants are required to wear masks. Chairs and tables are socially distanced in the locker rooms as well.

Some states and sporting entities like the MLB or the UFC are not allowing any spectators to gather in person to watch a game or fight event. However, the states (Utah, Wyoming, & Idaho) Mountain Force host events are allowing large gatherings but under very strict guidelines.  Therefore, spectators are allowed to watch an Mountain Force event in person.  Mountain Force first MMA event after reopenings was on August 1, 2020 in Evanston Wyoming. They are now preparing for their second event (MTF 17) on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls.  

"We've been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," Said Mountain Force president, Juan Pablo.  "Without fans and sponsors in the stands, we wouldn't be able to afford to cover our overhead.  Sporting companies like the UFC, with huge broadcasting contracts, can still operate without fans. They also have a worldwide pay per view base. We are not there. Not even close. I'm just happy we are allowed to host fights at during these uncertain times; especially during a time when all large annual events have been cancelled. "

What are some of these strict guidelines imposed to host an event with a crowd, let alone an MMA event?  Every state makes sure all events follow the recommended general guidelines of the CDC which   is social distance 6 ft apart, wash and sanitize hands frequently, and wear a mask when social distancing is impossible. However, each state is different on their capacity allowance for large gatherings. 

Bonneville County, which is in the Yellow level and where Mountain Force will hold their Idaho Falls fight event, allows up to 1 person every 28 square feet.  Mountain Force was ecstatic to hear this order.  Melaleuca Baseball Field in IF, where Mountain Force will host MTF 17, is 30,000 square feet. 

Thus, this will allow between 1000 to 1200 socially distant force fans in the stands. By socially distant, I mean, every row will be blocked off for seating. The fans will sit in groups of household number or according to how many tickets you have purchased; and distanced 3 bleacher chairs from the next group. Despite the large number of guests allowed at MTF 17 in Idaho Falls, this event will be operating at 33% capacity. Moreover, Bonneville County has a mask mandate in place in which patrons are required to wear a mask or face covering except when eating, drinking, or at their seats. 

"I just hope we don't have any issue with non-compliant fans," said Juan Pablo.  "Like, in order for us to hold this event and many more in Idaho during this pandemic, we have to implement all guidelines set forth by local health & municipal departments.  Idaho Athletic Commission has clearly stated that any failure or violation of following all safety protocols can result in my license getting revoked or suspended. So I just hope everyone can see this as a grand opportunity to attend a sporting event that does come with safety guidelines but hasn't been cancelled."

This is an excerpt taken from Idaho Athletic Commission Covid-19 Requirements for event sanctioning:

Provide sufficient security to manage and monitor the crowd and ensure that social distancing and/or mask mandate requirements are being met. It is up to the promoter to enforce any violations of the local CDH/CDC guidelines among the crowd. If this cannot occur, it is recommended the promoter does not allow a crowd and has a broadcast/pay-per-view event only.

Mountain Force's next fight event in Idaho (tentatively December 2020)  is predicated on the safety outcome & compliance of all participants & fans at MTF 17 event on Saturday, September 12, 2020 in Idaho Falls. 

 

"It's up to all of us to do our part, big and small, for Mountain Force to continue hosting fights in Idaho during this pandemic, " Juan Pablo said. "We cannot get mad if something doesn't seem right or fair or a show is cancelled or postponed. Nothing is normal right now.  I have to remind myself that we are truly living in different times. It's a different story day in day out.  Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity to host fights.  Many of my fellow promoters in other counties & states such as California can't host fights right now.  To them I say hang in there.  I am grateful that fighters and coaches have the opportunity to fight; and that the fans have the opportunity to feel some type of normalcy while simultaneously supporting their fighters. Keep fighting."