• Aljamain Sterling talks with Joe Rogan after his UFC bantamweight championship fight against Petr Yan of Russia at UFC 273 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. Sterling won by split decision. AFP
    Aljamain Sterling talks with Joe Rogan after his UFC bantamweight championship fight against Petr Yan of Russia at UFC 273 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. Sterling won by split decision. AFP
  • Aljamain Sterling punches Petr Yan. AFP
    Aljamain Sterling punches Petr Yan. AFP
  • Aljamain Sterling locks up Petr Yan. Reuters
    Aljamain Sterling locks up Petr Yan. Reuters
  • Petr Yan punches Aljamain Sterling. AFP
    Petr Yan punches Aljamain Sterling. AFP
  • Aljamain Sterling punches Petr Yan. AFP
    Aljamain Sterling punches Petr Yan. AFP
  • Aljamain Sterling grapples Petr Yan. AFP
    Aljamain Sterling grapples Petr Yan. AFP
  • Aljamain Sterling fights Petr Yan. AFP
    Aljamain Sterling fights Petr Yan. AFP
  • Aljamain Sterling locks Petr Yan in a back triangle. Reuters
    Aljamain Sterling locks Petr Yan in a back triangle. Reuters
  • Aljamain Sterling works for a submission against Petr Yan. Getty
    Aljamain Sterling works for a submission against Petr Yan. Getty
  • Aljamain Sterling celebrates after his UFC bantamweight championship fight against Petr Yan. AFP
    Aljamain Sterling celebrates after his UFC bantamweight championship fight against Petr Yan. AFP

UFC 280: Three more bouts set for Abu Dhabi, including Sterling-Dillashaw and O'Malley-Yan


John McAuley
  • English
  • Arabic

The UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be one of the standout cards of the year, with a second title fight and another two marquee match-ups either booked or in the works for the October event.

UFC 280, which takes place at Etihad Arena on October 22 and is headlined by the vacant lightweight title clash between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev, will include bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling’s rescheduled defence against and former belt-holder TJ Dillashaw. Another bantamweight bout is slated for the capital: a highlight clash between star Sean O’Malley and ex-champion Petr Yan.

The UFC is understood to also be finalising a lightweight encounter between No 6-ranked contender Beneil Dariush and No 9 challenger Mateusz Gamrot. More details are expected to be confirmed on Thursday.

Alongside Oliveira-Makhachev, UFC 280 already features a clash between rising welterweights Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady. That bout was made official on Wednesday.

The addition of Sterling-Dillashaw adds considerable weight to the UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi after one year away, with the fight originally booked for UFC 279 in September.

Sterling makes the second defence of his bantamweight crown after capturing the belt in controversial fashion in March last year, when then-champion Yan was disqualified for an illegal knee. Sterling won the rematch, in April, by split decision. His professional mixed martial arts record stands at 21-3.

Dillashaw, meanwhile, will be seeking to reclaim the title he relinquished in January 2019, when he was handed a two-year suspension having tested positive for a banned substance.

The American, 17-4 as a pro, returned to the octagon in July last year, defeating Cory Sandhagen by split decision. Dillashaw has been kept on the sidelines since through injury.

  • Charles Oliveira celebrates defeating Michael Chandler during their championship lightweight bout at UFC 262 in Houston, Texas. AFP
    Charles Oliveira celebrates defeating Michael Chandler during their championship lightweight bout at UFC 262 in Houston, Texas. AFP
  • Charles Oliveira celebrates. Reuters
    Charles Oliveira celebrates. Reuters
  • Oliveira applies a hold against Chandler. USA Today
    Oliveira applies a hold against Chandler. USA Today
  • Michael Chandler after his defeat. Reuters
    Michael Chandler after his defeat. Reuters
  • Michael Chandler moves in for a hit against Charles Oliveira. USA Today
    Michael Chandler moves in for a hit against Charles Oliveira. USA Today
  • The defeated Michael Chandler. Getty
    The defeated Michael Chandler. Getty
  • Charles Oliveira wrestles with Michael Chandler. AFP
    Charles Oliveira wrestles with Michael Chandler. AFP

One of the most intriguing bouts at UFC 280 - should it be finalised - will without doubt be O’Malley’s step up in opposition against Yan. The American, among the sport’s most talented prospects, is 15-1 in the UFC with one no contest after this month’s encounter with Pedro Munhoz ended after an accidental eye poke.

Speaking to ESPN’s Ryan Clark on Wednesday night, O’Malley said: "I'm getting the fight that I wanted and the fight that the people want. In my eyes, Petr is the No 1 contender right now. He's pretty much 1-1 against [Sterling], he could be considered the champion.

"Going in there and stepping up against a guy like Petr is exciting. It's motivating and it's the biggest fight in the bantamweight division right now."

Yan, officially the division’s No 2-ranked contender, is 16-3 as a pro.

The other bout in process for UFC 280 marks Dariush's return from an ankle injury to take on the in-form Gamrot (21-1). Dariush (21-4-1) rides a seven-fight win streak, while Gamrot has won his past four.

As of Thursday, the UFC has made official only Oliveira-Makhachev and Muhammad-Brady. UFC 280 represents the promotion’s first event in the capital since October last year. It marks the conclusion to Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.

  • Islam Makhachev submits Dan Hooker in their lightweight bout at UFC 267 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on October 30, 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Islam Makhachev submits Dan Hooker in their lightweight bout at UFC 267 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on October 30, 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Khabib Nurmagomedov, left, celebrates the win with his fighter Islam Makhachev.
    Khabib Nurmagomedov, left, celebrates the win with his fighter Islam Makhachev.
  • Dan Hooker, right, throws a punch at Islam Makhachev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dan Hooker, right, throws a punch at Islam Makhachev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Islam Makhachev, top, wrestles Dan Hooker on his way to victory at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Islam Makhachev, top, wrestles Dan Hooker on his way to victory at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Islam Makhachev, top, wrestles Dan Hooker on his way to victory at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Islam Makhachev, top, wrestles Dan Hooker on his way to victory at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Islam Makhachev speaks at the press conference ahead of his bout at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi in October 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Islam Makhachev speaks at the press conference ahead of his bout at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi in October 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates the win with his fighter Islam Makhachev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates the win with his fighter Islam Makhachev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Islam Makhachev, left, takes down Dan Hooker. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Islam Makhachev, left, takes down Dan Hooker. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Islam Makhachev celebrates.
    Islam Makhachev celebrates.
  • Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates the win with his fighter Islam Makhachev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrates the win with his fighter Islam Makhachev. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Super heroes

Iron Man
Reduced risk of dementia
Alcohol consumption could be an issue

Hulk
Cardiac disease, stroke and dementia from high heart rate

Spider-Man
Agility reduces risk of falls
Increased risk of obesity and mental health issues

Black Panther
Vegetarian diet reduces obesity
Unknown risks of potion drinking

Black Widow
Childhood traumas increase risk of mental illnesses

Thor
He's a god

The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.

THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%204.4-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20653hp%20at%205%2C400rpm%0D%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20800Nm%20at%201%2C600-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3ETransmission%3A%208-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E0-100kph%20in%204.3sec%0D%3Cbr%3ETop%20speed%20250kph%0D%3Cbr%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20NA%0D%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Q2%202023%0D%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh750%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RIVER%20SPIRIT
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeila%20Aboulela%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saqi%20Books%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C600rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C500-4%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10.9L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh119%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

UAE v Ireland

1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets

2nd ODI, January 12

3rd ODI, January 14

4th ODI, January 16

Updated: July 21, 2022, 8:28 AM