Michael Chandler poses on the scale during the UFC 254 weigh-in in October 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi. Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler poses on the scale during the UFC 254 weigh-in in October 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi. Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler poses on the scale during the UFC 254 weigh-in in October 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi. Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler poses on the scale during the UFC 254 weigh-in in October 2020 on UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi. Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

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UFC 257: Michael Chandler will make UFC debut in Abu Dhabi on Conor McGregor's headline night

American will face a tough outing against Kiwi Dan Hooker

John McAuley
John McAuley

January 04, 2021

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Michael Chandler will make his much-anticipated UFC debut against Dan Hooker at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi later this month, according to reports.

The American, a three-time lightweight champion in Bellator, will serve as one half of the co-main event on the January 23 card (January 24 in UAE), which is headlined by the rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. UFC 257 is the final of three events on the upcoming Fight Island.

ESPN reported confirmation of Chandler’s debut early on Monday, although UFC president Dana White first referenced the match-up in an interview with The Schmo last week.

Chandler, whose record stands at 21-5, signed with the UFC in September and had been tipped to fight either Poirier or Tony Ferguson the following month. In late October, he travelled to Abu Dhabi to act as back-up for Khabib Nurmagomedov's lightweight unification bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Chandler even made weight.

In Hooker, Chandler has been provided a formidable welcome to the promotion. The New Zealander (20-9) has enjoyed significant success since moving up from featherweight in 2017, although he is coming off a defeat to Poirier in June. That decision loss was a Fight of the Year contender.

Before that, Hooker was riding a three-fight win streak, including victories against Paul Felder and Al Iaquinta. Chandler, meanwhile, last fought in Bellator in August, knocking out former UFC champion Benson Henderson in the first round.

Michael Chandler poses for a portrait on Yas Beach in October 2020. Juan Cardenas/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chandler poses for a portrait on Yas Beach in October 2020. Juan Cardenas/Zuffa LLC

UFC 257 concludes a third Fight Island series in Abu Dhabi, and follows events on January 16 and 20. As of yet, no venue for the residency has been confirmed, although the newly built Etihad Arena is expected to host.

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While you're here
Virus and the economy
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

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Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

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Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure

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Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels

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