Fist-bumps, facemasks and smiles as UFC 249 fighters prepare for fight night in Florida

UFC 249 is down a man after Jacare Souza tested positive for Covid-19 - but the show goes on in Jacksonville, Florida tonight.

The fighters on tonight's card faced off yesterday after their weigh-ins, with UFC boss Dana White overseeing proceedings.

Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje clash in the lightweight division for the night's main event.

Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov will no doubt watch with interest as two of their main rivals in the 155lbs division go toe-to-toe.

An extensive testing regime is in place as the UFC introduces new health and safety protocols due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jacare Souza, right, had been due to face Uriah Hall but tested positive for Covid-19 (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)

Opponents Vicente Luque, left, and Niko Price face off during the UFC 249 official weigh-in (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)

The number of people involved in staging a UFC show has been cut in half from around 300 to approximately 150.

All of those working at the event will wear masks and gloves and the floor of the UFC octagon is to be repeatedly disinfected throughout the night.

Broadcast crews will practice social distancing and Joe Rogan will not hold his traditional post-fight interview in the octagon.

Hall, who will now not fight tonight, tweeted Souza: "Brother I know it sucks. I'm sorry you have to go through this I am beyond devastated for the missed opportunity.

"I wish you nothing but recovery for you and your family."

Dana White bumps fists with Francis Ngannou (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)

Greg Hardy and Yorgan De Castro face off (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)

Promotion president White, meanwhile, has stayed defiant despite Souza testing positive for the virus.

We administered 1,200 tests this week, on 300 people," he said.

"It's not unexpected one person would test positive. The system works.

"And what's good about this is now we know Jacare tested positive, he's doing what he needs to do and we're in a position to help him if he needs it."

Full fight card

Main card 

• Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje 
 
• Henry Cejudo vs Dominick Cruz
 
• Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik 
 
• Jeremy Stephens vs. Calvin Kattar
 

• Greg Hardy vs. Yorgan De Castro

Prelims 

• Anthony Pettis vs. Donald Cerrone
 
• Aleksei Oleinik vs. Fabricio Werdum
 
• Carla Esparza vs. Michelle Waterson
 
• Uriah Hall vs. Ronaldo Souza

Early prelims 

• Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price 
 
• Bryce Mitchell vs. Charles Rosa
 
• Ryan Spann vs. Sam Alvey