Dana White has confirmed his plans for Abu Dhabi to host Conor McGregor’s comeback against Dustin Poirier in January - although the UFC president said it won't be a title fight since he expects lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov to compete again.
Although yet to be officially announced, the 155lb bout is scheduled to headline UFC 257 on January 23 (January 24 in the UAE). Last week, White said Poirier had already signed off on the clash, a rematch of their 2014 encounter, and that he was waiting on McGregor to follow suit.
The former two-division champion has not fought since January, and in June announced his retirement from the sport. McGregor, 32, said he had grown frustrated with the options made available to him by the UFC.
Abu Dhabi has now emerged as the frontrunner to stage the Irishman's return to the octagon, with the new Etihad Arena expected to host the UFC's next stop in the capital, whenever that may be. The promotion's two recent Fight Island series took place at Flash Forum on Yas Island, with the most recent concluding on October 25.
Asked by reporters immediately following Wednesday morning’s finale to his Contender Series if he was working on McGregor-Poirier for Abu Dhabi, White responded simply: “Yeah”.
Pressed if it would be a one-off event or part of a third Fight Island series, White smiled and said: “I’ll let you know when it’s ready to let you know.”
However, White did confirm that the bout would not be for the lightweight belt despite Nurmagomedov announcing his retirement last month.
"Khabib’s going to fight [again]," he added. "I believe he’s going to fight. It’s not for the title.”
An emotional Nurmagomedov shocked the sport by calling time on his celebrated career after his successful title defence against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, which brought down the curtain on a second Fight Island run. Competing for the first time since his father's death in July, the victory lifted Nurmagomedov's professional record to 29-0.
At the weekend, the Dagestan native took to Instagram to show that he was recently tested by USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) – the 47th time in his career – prompting speculation about a possible comeback. White spoke to Nurmagomedov, 32, not long after the Gaethje win and subsequently said he thought the unbeaten champion would fight once more to fulfill his father's wish of reaching 30-0.
Asked by The Mac Life on Wednesday about Nurmagomedov's recent test, White said: "I didn't know that happened. But I told you guys that I think he's going to go to 30. He's still testing. Why the hell would you want to test if you're not going to fight?
“He hasn’t committed, but I feel like he’s going to. And I’m not really pushing him. We talked about it, and he just fought. Let him take some time, spend some time with his family, spend the holidays. There’s no rush.”
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
UK%20-%20UAE%20Trade
%3Cp%3ETotal%20trade%20in%20goods%20and%20services%20(exports%20plus%20imports)%20between%20the%20UK%20and%20the%20UAE%20in%202022%20was%20%C2%A321.6%20billion%20(Dh98%20billion).%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThis%20is%20an%20increase%20of%2063.0%20per%20cent%20or%20%C2%A38.3%20billion%20in%20current%20prices%20from%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%202021.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EThe%20UAE%20was%20the%20UK%E2%80%99s%2019th%20largest%20trading%20partner%20in%20the%20four%20quarters%20to%20the%20end%20of%20Q4%202022%20accounting%20for%201.3%20per%20cent%20of%20total%20UK%20trade.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Favourite car: Ferrari
Likes the colour: Black
Best movie: Avatar
Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
