The new UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi this summer will see the return of the hugely popular Nick Diaz alongside fellow fan favourite Tony Ferguson.
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UFC CEO Dana White announced a raft of bouts on Wednesday night for the August 3 at Etihad Arena, with former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo also featuring in a clash with bantamweight title challenger Marlon Vera.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed the card would be headlined by No 2-ranked bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen against the fast-rising unbeaten star Umar Nurmagomedov.
The addition of the Fight Night means Abu Dhabi will host two UFC events this year, with its traditional pay-per-view show falling in the final quarter, with UFC 308 on October 26.
In a video released on his social media channels on Wednesday, White announced four more bouts, with former title challenger Diaz facing Vicente Luque in a five-round co-main event, and former lightweight interim champion Ferguson taking on Michael Chiesa. Both fights will take place at welterweight.
The Abu Dhabi card will also Figueiredo against Vera at bantamweight and a women’s strawweight encounter between Mackenzie Dern and Loopy Godinez.
While there are a number of intriguing bouts, it is the inclusion of Diaz and Ferguson that will have piqued fans’ interest. Diaz, older brother of Nate Diaz, has not fought since his TKO defeat to Robbie Lawler in 2021, which was his first fight in six years. The 40-year-old American's last win came against BJ Penn in 2011. Diaz’s professional MMA record stands at 26-10 (two no contest).
Likewise, Luque is attempting to get back on track following a knockout defeat to Joaquin Buckley in March. The Brazilian is 22-10-1 as a pro. White described the match-up, scheduled for five rounds, as “certain to be an absolute war”.
Meanwhile, Ferguson will be aiming to use his Abu Dhabi debut to halt a seven-bout losing streak. The American, one of the most beloved athletes in the sport, last fought in December when he lost a unanimous decision to Paddy Pimblett.
Chiesa has not competed since his submission loss to Kevin Holland last July.
White said on Wednesday that the Abu Dhabi bout “could” represent the 40-year-old Ferguson’s final fight.
Elsewhere, Figueiredo will be out to continue his success after moving up to bantamweight against a game Vera. The two-time flyweight champion is two for two at 135 lbs, following his dominant decision win against Rob Font last December with a submission victory at last month’s UFC 300 against former bantamweight belt-holder Cody Garbrandt.
“Chito” Vera will represent a serious test, though, with the Ecuadorian determined to bounce back from his defeat to current champion Sean O’Malley in the main event at UFC 299 in March. A rematch of their 2020 fight, Vera remains the only man to beat O’Malley in the UFC.
Dubai World Cup factbox
Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)
Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4)
Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9)
Most wins by a horse: Godolphin’s Thunder Snow(2)
The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Adele: The Stories Behind The Songs
Caroline Sullivan
Carlton Books
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
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