Jacaré reveals tension about fighting during the pandemic, but says: 'I prefer to work'

R. Jacaré admits the tension of fighting during the pandemic. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ronaldojacare

The global tension scenario resulting from the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) scares even the highest level athletes. With a fight scheduled for this Saturday (9), at UFC 249, Ronaldo Jacare admits fear of putting himself at risk in the face of one of the biggest health crises in history, but justified his presence at this weekend's show.

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“I feel afraid of doing everything, even going to the supermarket, but there are things that we have to do, there is no way to escape, I prefer to work and take the risk because these are things that we will have to do. We are very worried about this business, it is very serious, there are a lot of people dying, it is complicated and sad”, said the Brazilian in an interview with ‘ESPN’.

Although the scenario is not favorable for the return of sporting activities in many countries around the world, the athlete guarantees that Ultimate has been working tirelessly to guarantee the physical integrity of athletes who are willing to compete during the pandemic. Ronaldo stated that all combatants, teams, as well as professionals who will work on the UFC 249 were duly instructed on the preventive measures that must be adopted during the week of the event.

“We had several meetings. Their protocol is very strict so that no one has a problem contracting this disease. There will be specific people who will enter our room, there will be food, we will not leave. When we arrive at the hotel, we will do tests to find out whether we have the disease or not because there are people who are asymptomatic,” he explained.

Faced with a context completely different from anything he has experienced throughout his life as an athlete, Jacaré, however, makes a point of clarifying that the UFC did not force any athlete to participate in the cards that will take place during the pandemic.

“We had some meetings with Dana White (Ultimate president). He made it very clear that athletes who are not comfortable do not need to fight, he made us feel comfortable,” he confirmed.

This Saturday, the Brazilian will face the clash that will mark his return to the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg.) after testing himself, at the end of last year, among the light heavyweights (up to 93kg.). For the dispute against the dangerous Hall, the fighter also spoke about the training process, which had to be modified, adopting preventive measures that suggest social isolation and a consequent reduction in the number of members of his team.

“We have reduced (training) a lot. He has done what he can do. There are two coaches here at home with me and one person who comes here. A while ago Rodolfo (Vieira) was helping me, we have been doing what we can do. I have a big garage so there’s plenty of space,” he concluded.

In the confrontation against Uriah (10th place), Jacaré needs a victory to officially return to the category ranking. The athlete was removed from the elite division after moving up a division.