• A UFC Fight Island sign at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A UFC Fight Island sign at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • An octagon on the beach for UFC Fight Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    An octagon on the beach for UFC Fight Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • UFC Fight Island branding can be seen outside Yas Links golf club. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    UFC Fight Island branding can be seen outside Yas Links golf club. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A UFC Fight Island sign on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A UFC Fight Island sign on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • The setup outside Flash Forum for UFC Fight Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    The setup outside Flash Forum for UFC Fight Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • UFC Fight Island branding can be seen outside Yas Links golf club. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    UFC Fight Island branding can be seen outside Yas Links golf club. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • An octagon on the beach for UFC Fight Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    An octagon on the beach for UFC Fight Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A UFC Fight Island board on Yas Island with Ferrari World in the background. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A UFC Fight Island board on Yas Island with Ferrari World in the background. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A UFC sign lights up outside the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A UFC sign lights up outside the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A sign for UFC Fight Island placed outside W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A sign for UFC Fight Island placed outside W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A social distancing sign inside the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A social distancing sign inside the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A social distancing sign is placed on a table inside W Hotel. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A social distancing sign is placed on a table inside W Hotel. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A view outside the W Hotel on Yas Island where UFC fighters will stay. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A view outside the W Hotel on Yas Island where UFC fighters will stay. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • An In Abu Dhabi sign has been placed on Yas Beach. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    An In Abu Dhabi sign has been placed on Yas Beach. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A UFC sign has been placed outside the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A UFC sign has been placed outside the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • A view outside the W Hotel and Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    A view outside the W Hotel and Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • Outside seating area at the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    Outside seating area at the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
  • Outside seating area at the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi
    Outside seating area at the W Hotel on Yas Island. Courtesy DCT-Abu Dhabi

Other Sport

UFC confirms Abu Dhabi will host historic Fight Island

The Festival will be held on Yas Island and feature four fight nights staged through July

John McAuley
John McAuley

July 05, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi has been confirmed as host of the UFC’s historic Fight Island next month, in a groundbreaking collaboration with the world’s lead mixed martial arts promotion.

The fight festival, which will feature four fight nights beginning with the pay-per-view UFC 251 on July 11, will take place at an existing venue on Yas Island, with a specifically marked "safe zone" housing everyone connected to the event. Du Forum has been considered as host for the bouts.

UFC 251 is said to feature three championship bouts, according to UFC president Dana White, with the succeeding three events falling on July 15, 18 and 25. Given the restrictions in place because of the coronavirus pandemic, fans will not be able to attend.

Fight Island represents a major coup for Abu Dhabi, who last year signed a five-year partnership with the UFC. The first event in the agreement was staged in September, with the hugely successful UFC 242 headlined by undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The promotion is scheduled to return to the capital later this year, most likely in late October.

White said: “We came up with the idea of having fights on ‘Fight Island’ because we needed a destination to hold international events during the global pandemic. Abu Dhabi has been an amazing location to hold fights over the past 10 years and it is the perfect place for these events.

"The infrastructure we are building will be such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the fighters that’s never been done before - from the arena, the private training facility, and the octagon on the island - it’s going to be an experience that none of us will ever forget. I can’t wait to deliver amazing fights from Yas Island”.

White, who devised Fight Island in April to allow international fighters to compete during the coronavirus crisis, had kept secret the event's location. However, reports emerged at the weekend that Abu Dhabi could play host.

The UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) released a joint statement late on Tuesday to confirm their latest alliance.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our partnership with the UFC, now in its second year, has proved to be one of our most successful ventures in recent years. Thanks to their commitment and cooperation, we are proud to announce that Abu Dhabi will host the first ever “Fight Island” event, marking the long-awaited return of UFC fights to the global stage.

“We have worked closely with all government entities in Abu Dhabi to ensure that the staging of this historic event complies with the highest standards of safety for the athletes, coaches, and all UFC personnel as well as the safety of our community.

“This year, Abu Dhabi has successfully proven its ability to handle all challenges and promote the well-being of its visitors and residents. And today, we are here to showcase the best that our capital has to offer, as we look forward to opening our doors once again to the world.”

In reference to UFC 251, White told ESPN's First Take on Tuesday that the main card will be headlined by a welterweight title bout between champion Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. It will also include a featherweight title rematch pitting against one another belt-holder Alex Volkanovski and Max Holloway, who first fought in December, together with a clash between Petr Yan and Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight crown.

Earlier on Tuesday, Holloway tweeted an image of what appeared to be a signed contract, alongside the #FightIsland hashtag.

More details regarding the events will be announced in the coming days. DCT Abu Dhabi told The National that they expect to have more than 2,500 people staying on site during the event, but only those deemed essential to its operation. They anticipate fighters will arrive in Abu Dhabi towards the end of this month.

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Best pictures from UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov after his win over Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Khabib Nurmagomedov after his win over Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The crowd cheer at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The crowd cheer at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight bout between Fares Ziam (blue shorts) and Don Madge (winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight bout between Fares Ziam (blue shorts) and Don Madge (winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight bout between Fares Ziam (blue shorts) and Don Madge in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight bout between Fares Ziam (blue shorts) and Don Madge in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Lightweight bout between Fares Ziam (blue shorts) and Don Madge in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Lightweight bout between Fares Ziam (blue shorts) and Don Madge in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A middleweight bout between Omari Akhmedov (red shorts) and Zak Cummings during the early matches of UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A middleweight bout between Omari Akhmedov (red shorts) and Zak Cummings during the early matches of UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A middleweight bout between Omari Akhmedov (red shorts) and Zak Cummings during the early matches of UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A middleweight bout between Omari Akhmedov (red shorts) and Zak Cummings during the early matches of UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Middleweight bout between Omari Akhmedov (red shorts, Winner) and Zak Cummings in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Middleweight bout between Omari Akhmedov (red shorts, Winner) and Zak Cummings in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Welterweight bout between Nordine Taleb and Muslim Salikhov (grey shorts, winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Welterweight bout between Nordine Taleb and Muslim Salikhov (grey shorts, winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Welterweight bout between Nordine Taleb and Muslim Salikhov (grey shorts, winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Welterweight bout between Nordine Taleb and Muslim Salikhov (grey shorts, winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Welterweight bout between Nordine Taleb and Muslim Salikhov (grey shorts, winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Welterweight bout between Nordine Taleb and Muslim Salikhov (grey shorts, winner) in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts) and Takashi Satō in the early matches at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts) and Takashi Satō in the early matches at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad (green shorts, winner) and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Teemu Packalen and Ottman Azaitar (black shorts, winner) in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Sarah Moras made history by winning the first ever female UFC fight in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Sarah Moras made history by winning the first ever female UFC fight in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy (red shorts, draw) and Zubaira Tukhugov in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy (red shorts, draw) and Zubaira Tukhugov in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: The Arena. Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: The Arena. Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy (red shorts, draw) and Zubaira Tukhugov in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy (red shorts, draw) and Zubaira Tukhugov in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: UAE jiu-jitsu fighter Faisal Al Ketbi. Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: UAE jiu-jitsu fighter Faisal Al Ketbi. Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy (red shorts, draw) and Zubaira Tukhugov in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy (red shorts, draw) and Zubaira Tukhugov in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: General sec of Abu Dhabi Sports council Aref Al Awani. Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: General sec of Abu Dhabi Sports council Aref Al Awani. Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Women's Flyweight bout between Joanne Calderwood (blue shorts, winner) and Andrea Lee in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: The Arena. Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: The Arena. Women's bantamweight bout between Sarah Moras (black shorts, winner) and Liana Jojua in the Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Fight fans take pics. Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Fight fans take pics. Welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad and Takashi Satō in the Early Prelims at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Mairbek Taisumov and Diego Ferreira (yellow shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Fight Fans. Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Fight Fans. Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Heavyweight bout between Curtis Blaydes (black shorts, winner) and Shamil Abdurakhimov in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Fight fans. Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Fight fans. Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Davi Ramos and Islam Makhachev (red shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight title bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov (black shorts, winner) and Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - September 07, 2019: Lightweight bout between Edson Barboza and Paul Felder (blue shorts, winner) in the Main card at UFC 242. Saturday the 7th of September 2019. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
While you're here
UFC%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi
%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20112%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Invincible%20(April%2010%2C%202010)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20Fight%20Night%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENogueira%20v%20Nelson%20(April%2011%2C%202014)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20242%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Khabib%20v%20Poirier%20(September%207%2C%202019)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFight%20Island%201%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20251%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Usman%20v%20Masvidal%20(July%2012%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20on%20ESPN%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Kattar%20v%20Ige%20(July%2016%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20Fight%20Night%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFigueiredo%20v%20Benavidez%202%20(July%2019%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EUFC%20on%20ESPN%3A%20Whittaker%20v%20Till%20(July%2026%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFight%20Island%202%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20253%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdesanya%20v%20Costa%20(September%2027%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20on%20ESPN%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Holm%20v%20Aldana%20(October%204%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20Fight%20Night%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Moraes%20v%20Sandhagen%20(October%2011%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20Fight%20Night%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ortega%20v%20Korean%20Zombie%20(October%2018%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20254%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhabib%20v%20Gaethje%20(October%2024%2C%202020)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFight%20Island%203%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EUFC%20on%20ABC%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Holloway%20v%20Kattar%20(January%2016%2C%202021)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20on%20ESPN%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Chiesa%20v%20Magny%20(January%2020%2C%202021)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUFC%20257%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPoirier%20v%20McGregor%202%20(January%2024%2C%202021)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EUFC%20267%3A%20Blachowicz%20v%20Teixeira%20(October%2030%2C%202021)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EUFC%20280%3A%20Oliveira%20v%20Makhachev%20(October%2022%2C%202022)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
JAPAN SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa

Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie

Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)

Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. 

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Vaccine Progress in the Middle East
The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

Price: Dh380,000

On sale: now 

UFCDana WhiteYas IslandAlexander Volkanovski