• Ray Borg reacts after winning the bantamweight contest against Jesse Arnett on the UAE Warriors 20 card at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, June 19, 2021. All photos courtesy: UAE Warriors
    Ray Borg reacts after winning the bantamweight contest against Jesse Arnett on the UAE Warriors 20 card at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, June 19, 2021. All photos courtesy: UAE Warriors
  • Ray Borg, in red, has Jesse Arnett pinned to the canvas in the UAE Warriors 20 at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
    Ray Borg, in red, has Jesse Arnett pinned to the canvas in the UAE Warriors 20 at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
  • Ray Borg lands a high kick on Jesse Arnett in the UAE Warriors 20 at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
    Ray Borg lands a high kick on Jesse Arnett in the UAE Warriors 20 at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
  • Ray Borg receives his award from Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, chairman of Palms Sports, at the UAE Warriors 20 event in Abu Dhabi.
    Ray Borg receives his award from Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, chairman of Palms Sports, at the UAE Warriors 20 event in Abu Dhabi.
  • Martun Mezhlumyan lands one on Attila Korkmaz, left, en route to win the lightweight bout on the UAE Warriors 20 card.
    Martun Mezhlumyan lands one on Attila Korkmaz, left, en route to win the lightweight bout on the UAE Warriors 20 card.
  • A high knee from Daniel Skibinski was enough to end the welterweight contest against Acoidan Duque in the UAE Warriors 20 at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena.
    A high knee from Daniel Skibinski was enough to end the welterweight contest against Acoidan Duque in the UAE Warriors 20 at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena.
  • Carolina Jimenez has Lucrezia Ria in a rear naked choke in the female lightweight bout on the UAE Warriors 20 card at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena.
    Carolina Jimenez has Lucrezia Ria in a rear naked choke in the female lightweight bout on the UAE Warriors 20 card at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena.
  • Carolina Jimenez celebrates her win over Lucrezia Ria in the UAE Warriors 20, organised by Palm Sports.
    Carolina Jimenez celebrates her win over Lucrezia Ria in the UAE Warriors 20, organised by Palm Sports.
  • Handesson Ferreira lands a kick on Amiran Gogoladze on course to victory in their welterweight contest at the UAE Warriors 20.
    Handesson Ferreira lands a kick on Amiran Gogoladze on course to victory in their welterweight contest at the UAE Warriors 20.
  • John Mitchell, centre, celebrates his victory over Arbi Emiev in the UAE Warriors 20 with his team at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
    John Mitchell, centre, celebrates his victory over Arbi Emiev in the UAE Warriors 20 with his team at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
  • Bellator veteran fighter Gianni Melillo receives his award from Fouad Darwish, managing director of Palms Sports, after winning the middleweight bout against Mohammad Karaki at the UAE Warriors 20.
    Bellator veteran fighter Gianni Melillo receives his award from Fouad Darwish, managing director of Palms Sports, after winning the middleweight bout against Mohammad Karaki at the UAE Warriors 20.

Ray Borg opens new adventure with classy victory at UAE Warriors 20 in Abu Dhabi


Amith Passela
  • English
  • Arabic

RESULTS

Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO

Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke

Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke

Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO

Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision

Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision

Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO

Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)

Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)

Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision

Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke

Welterweight: Daniel Skibinski (POL) beat Acoidan Duque (ESP). Round 3 TKO

Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision

Bantamweight: Ray Borg (USA) beat Jesse Arnett (CAN). Unanimous decision

Ray Borg turned a new chapter in his mixed martial arts career at UAE Warriors 20 nearly a year after being released by UFC.

The American showed he has not lost any of his fighting skills to emerge winner over Jesse Arnett with a unanimous decision at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Borg, 27, produced a fine all-round spectacle to score consistently from a range of punches, high kicks and takedowns to outclass the Canadian in the main bantamweight contest on the night.

“Thank you all. I was a bit tired as I had just three days to prepare because of the long travel but I am delighted with tonight’s performance and the result,” Borg said.

“I came here to stand-up against my opponent and to win. I’m very glad to have achieved that.

“I am now ready for my next opponent and then everybody will see what I can do in this promotion. The UAE Warriors is an excellent platform for me to get my MMA for a new beginning.”

Borg’s professional career started in 2012 and he was drafted to the UFC two years later. Returning to the action in more than a year, the “Tazmexican Devil’s” victory over Arnett stretched his career record to 14-5 (win/loss).

Borg went on the offensive from the outset. He forced Arnett to the canvas early in the first round but could not capitalise as the Canadian slipped out of the American’s grasp to get on his feet.

The former UFC title challenger was on top that round after scoring off a right hook immediately followed by a high kick, and then the takedown.

The Canadian’s face was bloodied in the second round as Borg forced his opponent to the canvas and started pounding to take that round too.

Arnett, 36, almost had Borg with a choke hold in round three but the American quickly slipped out and again forced his opponent down to the canvas to to end his career record at 18-7.

Armenian Martun Mezhlumyan scored a unanimous decision against Attila Korkmaz of Turkey and Poland’s Daniel Skibinski, with a flying knee, ended Spaniard Acoidan Duque’s resistance by TKO in the third round in the two main supporting contests in the 14-fight card.

Venezuelan Carolina Jimenez stretched her winning streak to 7-0 after ending Italian Lucrezia Ria with a rear naked choke in round one in the only contest for females.

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The Disaster Artist

Director: James Franco

Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan

Four stars

Film: Raid
Dir: Rajkumar Gupta
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'cruz and Saurabh Shukla

Verdict:  Three stars 

The Bio

Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride

She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.

Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years

Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves

She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

HAJJAN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Abu%20Bakr%20Shawky%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3EStarring%3A%20Omar%20Alatawi%2C%20Tulin%20Essam%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al-Hasawi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Three ways to get a gratitude glow

By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.

  • During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
  • As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
  • In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
'Spies in Disguise'

Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane

Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

SQUAD

Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Adel Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Bandar Al Ahbabi, Mohammed Barghash, Salem Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Hassan Al Mahrami, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Yousef Jaber, Saeed Ahmed, Majed Sorour, Majed Hassan, Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Khalil Al Hammadi, Fabio De Lima, Khalfan Mubarak, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Ali Saleh, Caio Canedo, Muhammed Jumah, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue, Zayed Al Ameri

Five%20calorie-packed%20Ramadan%20drinks
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERooh%20Afza%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20contains%20414%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETang%20orange%20drink%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%20300%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECarob%20beverage%20mix%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%20about%20300%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQamar%20Al%20Din%20apricot%20drink%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20saving%20contains%2061%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EVimto%20fruit%20squash%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%2030%20calories%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Law%2041.9.4%20of%20men%E2%80%99s%20T20I%20playing%20conditions
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Saturday's results

Women's third round

  • 14-Garbine Muguruza Blanco (Spain) beat Sorana Cirstea (Romania) 6-2, 6-2
  • Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) beat Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) 6-2, 6-1
  • 7-Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) beat Polona Hercog (Slovenia) 6-4. 6-0
  • Coco Vandeweghe (USA) beat Alison Riske (USA) 6-2, 6-4
  •  9-Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) beat 19-Timea Bacsinszky (Switzerland) 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
  • Petra Martic (Croatia) beat Zarina Diyas (Kazakhstan) 7-6, 6-1
  • Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) beat Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) 6-2, 6-1
  • 7-Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) beat Polona Hercog (Slovenia) 6-4, 6-0

Men's third round

  • 13-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat Dudi Sela (Israel) 6-1, 6-1 -- retired
  • Sam Queery (United States) beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, 1-6, 7-5
  • 6-Milos Raonic (Canada) beat 25-Albert Ramos (Spain) 7-6, 6-4, 7-5
  • 10-Alexander Zverev (Germany) beat Sebastian Ofner (Austria) 6-4, 6-4, 6-2
  • 11-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) beat David Ferrer (Spain) 6-3, 6-4, 6-3
  • Adrian Mannarino (France) beat 15-Gael Monfils (France) 7-6, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2
RESULTS

Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) beat Azizbek Satibaldiev (KYG). Round 1 KO

Featherweight: Izzeddin Farhan (JOR) beat Ozodbek Azimov (UZB). Round 1 rear naked choke

Middleweight: Zaakir Badat (RSA) beat Ercin Sirin (TUR). Round 1 triangle choke

Featherweight: Ali Alqaisi (JOR) beat Furkatbek Yokubov (UZB). Round 1 TKO

Featherweight: Abu Muslim Alikhanov (RUS) beat Atabek Abdimitalipov (KYG). Unanimous decision

Catchweight 74kg: Mirafzal Akhtamov (UZB) beat Marcos Costa (BRA). Split decision

Welterweight: Andre Fialho (POR) beat Sang Hoon-yu (KOR). Round 1 TKO

Lightweight: John Mitchell (IRE) beat Arbi Emiev (RUS). Round 2 RSC (deep cuts)

Middleweight: Gianni Melillo (ITA) beat Mohammed Karaki (LEB)

Welterweight: Handesson Ferreira (BRA) beat Amiran Gogoladze (GEO). Unanimous decision

Flyweight (Female): Carolina Jimenez (VEN) beat Lucrezia Ria (ITA), Round 1 rear naked choke

Welterweight: Daniel Skibinski (POL) beat Acoidan Duque (ESP). Round 3 TKO

Lightweight: Martun Mezhlumyan (ARM) beat Attila Korkmaz (TUR). Unanimous decision

Bantamweight: Ray Borg (USA) beat Jesse Arnett (CAN). Unanimous decision