UFC athlete Santiago Ponzinibbio has paid tribute to compatriot Diego Maradona before Saturday’s Fight Island opener in Abu Dhabi.
The Argentine, who takes on China’s Li Jingliang at UFC Fight Night at the new Etihad Arena, arrived at the pre-event face-off on Friday with a poster of Maradona holding aloft the World Cup in 1986. He unfurled it, with the help of Li, to show “Forever” emblazoned across the image.
Widely regarded one of the best footballers in history, Maradona died in November. He was aged 60.
“He is one of the greatest athletes of all time,” Ponzinibbio said. “He didn’t ever sell himself – he started from nothing and dominated world football.
“He’s an inspiration because he showed nothing is impossible. He was a dreamer, like me. He started from nothing, just like me.”
UFC Fight Night, the first of three events at this Fight Island Triple Header, is headlined by Max Holloway's featherweight clash with Calvin Kattar. Marking the Etihad Arena's official opening, it will welcome a limited amount of spectators – the first time the UFC has hosted a live show with fans in attendance since March.
Another UFC Fight Night follows on Wednesday, with the series concluding on January 24 with a much-anticipated UFC 257 headlined by Conor McGregor's comeback against Dustin Poirier.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Grubtech
Founders: Mohamed Al Fayed and Mohammed Hammedi
Launched: October 2019
Employees: 50
Financing stage: Seed round (raised $2 million)
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If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
