Last Thursday, the UFC announced their return to Abu Dhabi later this year, with UFC 294 on October 21. While no bouts have been confirmed, we look at three clashes we’d like to see on the card come fight night at Etihad Arena.
Islam Makhachev v Alexander Volkanovski
Lightweight champion Makhachev called out Leon Edwards immediately after his welterweight counterpart’s successful title defence against Kamaru Usman on Sunday morning. “I want Leon next” Makhachev tweeted. “October in Abu Dhabi.” Clearly, the 155lb champion is targeting double-champ status. Yet UFC president Dana White promptly dismissed the idea, saying Makhachev won’t be taking on Edwards in the capital.
The Dagestan native, who captured the lightweight belt in Abu Dhabi last October, seems a strong shout no matter what to headline UFC 294 given his affinity to the UAE. If so, then who better than to face than Volkanovski? The pair served up a Fight of the Year contender only last month, when Makhachev prevailed on points to register his first title defence and stretch his incredible win streak to 12.
Meanwhile, Volkanovski, the featherweight champion who stepped up to chase a belt in a second division, suffered his first defeat in 23 pro bouts – but what an effort. The Australian, one of the stars at the inaugural Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, is expected to defend his featherweight crown this summer against interim champion Yair Rodriguez, while Makhachev might compete around then too once he resumes training after Ramadan.
Even if the latter sits out until October, a rematch with Volkanovski more than whets the appetite. A “super-fight” to top the bill at Etihad Arena? Yes, please.
Leon Edwards v Belal Muhammad
Following the trilogy win against Usman on Sunday, Edwards said he was willing to take on whoever next – bar Colby Covington. The American was present at UFC 286 having travelled to London to make weight as a back-up for the headline event, with White confirming he is indeed next for a welterweight title shot. Edwards, though, asked why Covington deserves it given he has been largely absent since defeating Jorge Masvidal 12 months ago. What is more, Covington twice took on Usman during the Nigerian’s title reign and lost both times – although the first was an epic encounter.
Muhammad, meanwhile, deserves a tilt at the gold more than anyone. The American is unbeaten in his past nine bouts (eight wins and one no contest – against Edwards, in 2021), and last time out inflicted Sean Brady’s first pro loss, at UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. Also, Muhammad previously told The National of his dream to win the belt in the capital. Some have called for Muhammad to first face Covington in a shootout for the chance to go up against Edwards. If the timeline works, then the UFC could do that and guarantee the winner meets the champion at Etihad Arena in October.
However, no one could really begrudge Muhammad, the No 4-ranked contender at welterweight, getting a straight shot at Edwards.
Khamzat Chimaev v Robert Whittaker
On Sunday, White confirmed Chimaev’s much-awaited return to action would fall in October. The UFC chief did not say quite where, but Chimaev is an obvious draw for Abu Dhabi having competed there in four of his seven appearances in the promotion. The Chechen-born athlete, whose explosive arrival in the UFC took place during Fight Island 1, is moving up from welterweight to middleweight, where he is thought to be one major win away from a title shot.
Former champion Whittaker or former title challenger Marvin Vettori have been mooted as possible opponents. Whittaker, though, would certainly pave the path to gold. The Australian sits currently as the No 2-ranked challenger at middleweight (Vettori is No 4), whose only two defeats in his past 15 fights came at the hands of Israel Adesanya.
Next month, Adesanya attempts to win back the belt from Alex Pereira in their rematch at UFC 287. Should he do it, then the calls for Whittaker to first face Chimaev will only grow. Whittaker, however, has not competed since September, when he defeated Vettori on points, while last month’s reported bout with Paulo Costa never came to fruition.
So, would Whittaker wait until October to get back into the octagon? At 12-0, Chimaev should be provided a formidable challenge next. Whittaker, who has also previously fought in Abu Dhabi, certainly fits the bill.
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Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
Crazy Rich Asians
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeon, Gemma Chan
Four stars
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Brief scores
Day 1
Toss England, chose to bat
England, 1st innings 357-5 (87 overs): Root 184 not out, Moeen 61 not out, Stokes 56; Philander 3-46
The specs
A4 35 TFSI
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
A4 S4 TDI
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 350bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
