Sports fans got a glimpse of what the near-future will look like for live sport, as the UFC made its return to the Octagon on Sunday (NZ time).
As sports around the globe begin to return after being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, UFC 249 is the first live major sporting event to take place in the US since mid-March.
"I've never been more proud to be a part of this sport than I am today," said UFC boss Dana White on Twitter.
"In tough times, you need tough people from the fighters, corners, their families, my staff, production, the athletic commission, and most importantly, the physicians and nurses that made tonight a reality."
US President Donald Trump praised the UFC for returning, before urging other major US sports leagues to return.
"I want to congratulate Dana White and the UFC," said Trump. "Get the sports leagues back... Do what you need to do… we need sports."
American Ryan Spann faced compariot Sam Alvey in the opening fight in front of an empty stadium at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. '
As Alvey walked out to the ring, he pointed to and high-fived the "fans". Of course there were no fans in the stands, with no spectators permitted for the foreseeable future.
But Spann went on to win the fight, with a split-decision victory.
White had tried to stage UFC 249 on April 19 at Tachi Palace Casino Resort on tribal land in California, but was forced to cancel the event after he received a call from the "the highest level" of both Disney and ESPN.
Disney owns ESPN, which is the UFC's broadcast partner.
More sport will be returning in the coming weeks with the NASCAR set to make its return next weekend, while IndyCar and the PGA Tour have scheduled start dates in June.
Closer to home, the NRL is targeting a May 28 return with Super Rugby Aotearoa and the ANZ Premiership both due to resume next month.
UFC 249 is the first of three events to take place this week, with fights taking place on May 14 and 17.
