On Thursday, the UFC stages its second Fight Island event, with UFC Fight Night 1 taking place on Yas Island. Here’s the details.
What is it?
UFC Fight Night 1, the latest instalment in the world's lead mixed martial arts promotion. It follows from Sunday's hugely successful UFC 251, which opened the inaugural Fight Island. The four-show series was created by the UFC primarily to allow its international athletes to compete during the coronavirus pandemic. Abu Dhabi was announced as host on June 9.
When is it?
Thursday July 16, from 3am. Main card starts at 6am.
Where is it?
Flash Forum, which has been redesigned to stage the UFC this month. Because of the public health guidelines in place, the event takes place with no paying spectators in attendance. Flash Forum can be found inside the UFC "safe zone", an 11-kilometre stretch open only to those connected with the running of Fight Island. It is said to house around 2,000 people.
Who is fighting?
The card is topped by two in-form featherweights with designs on taking a huge step towards a title shot. Calvin Kattar, ranked sixth in the division, takes on No 10 Dan Ige. Kattar (21-4) is coming off an excellent technical-knockout victory against Jeremy Stephens at UFC 249 in May, while Ige (14-2) has won his past six, including a split decision against Edson Barboza in May. The co-main event features flyweights Tim Elliot versus Ryan Benoit.
Elsewhere, there’s substantial local interest with Dubai-based Tunisian Mounir Lazzez making his UFC debut against the returning Abdul Razak Alhassan. That tussle kicks off the main card.
Full fight card (subject to change):
Main Card
Calvin Kattar v Dan Ige
Tim Elliott v Ryan Benoit
Jimmie Rivera v Cody Stamann
Molly McCann v Taila Santos
Abdul Razak Alhassan v Mounir Lazzez
Preliminary Card
John Phillips v Khamzat Chimaev
Lerone Murphy v Ricardo Ramos
Modestas Bukauskas v Andreas Michailidas
Chris Fishgold v Jared Gordon
Diana Belbita v Liana Jojua
Aaron Phillips v Jack Shore
Kenneth Bergh v Jorge Gonzalez
How to watch?
Fight fans in the UAE can catch the early action on Abu Dhabi Sports 2, with the main card available only through the UFC Arabia app.
