Khabib Nurmagomedov has arrived in Dubai to continue his training camp ahead of next month’s return to the octagon in Abu Dhabi.
The undefeated lightweight champion, who turns 32 on Sunday, headlines UFC 254 on Yas Island on October 24, when he takes on interim belt-holder Justin Gaethje in a title unification clash.
The event brings to a close a second Fight Island series in the capital, which comprises a five-show run beginning on September 27 with UFC 253. However, local organisers have yet to officially announce the upcoming residency.
A regular visitor to the Emirates, Nurmagomedov touched down in Dubai this week, and joins longtime coach Javier Mendez and teammates at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex. They began to arrive last week.
Unbeaten in 28 professional bouts, Nurmagomedov visited the emirate last month following his appearance as guest at UAE Warriors 12 in Abu Dhabi, where he supported his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov. During his stay, he met with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, at the complex.
Nurmagomedov's fight against Gaethje represents the Russian's return to competition for the first time since last September. That bout also took place on Yas Island, where Nurmagomedov defeated then-interim champion Dustin Poirier by third-round submission at a sold out The Arena.
Nurmagomedov was scheduled to face Tony Ferguson in April, but the bout fell through because of travel restrictions amid the pandemic. Gaethje eventually took on Ferguson in May, winning by TKO in the fifth round.
In July, Nurmagomedov's father and coach, Abdulmanap, died from heart complications, prompting rumours of his son's retirement.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's match-up with Gaethje rounds off what promises to be another stellar Fight Island, with Israel Adesanya’s middleweight title defence against Paulo Costa one of two championship fights at UFC 253. In the other, Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz contest the vacant light heavyweight crown.
From there, Fight Nights take place on October 4, 11 and 18, before UFC 254 closes out the promotion’s second series in Abu Dhabi. That card will also feature No 1-ranked middleweight challenger Robert Whittaker against Jared Cannonier.
The inaugural Fight Island ran from July 12-26 and comprised four events, beginning with UFC 251. All shows were staged at Flash Forum.
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
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
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
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Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Lecce v SPAL (6pm)
Bologna v Genoa (9pm)
Atlanta v Roma (11.45pm)
Sunday
Udinese v Hellas Verona (3.30pm)
Juventus v Brescia (6pm)
Sampdoria v Fiorentina (6pm)
Sassuolo v Parma (6pm)
Cagliari v Napoli (9pm)
Lazio v Inter Milan (11.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Torino (11.45pm)
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