UFC returning to Abu Dhabi for Fight Night event at Yas Island

Ultimate Fighting Championship announced on Wednesday they would be staging their first event, Fight Night: Nelson v Nogueira on April 11 at Yas Island, here since UFC 112 in 2010.

The octagon at UFC 112 at what is now Du Arena in April 2010. The UFC will return to Abu Dhabi on April 11 for a Fight Night event. Photo Courtesy / Ultimate Fighting Championship

Ultimate Fighting Championship will make its return to Abu Dhabi in April, four years after first staging UFC 112 here, the organisation announced on Wednesday.

The event, UFC Fight Night: Nelson v Nogueira, will take place April 11 on Yas Island. The headline bout will see American Roy Nelson, UFC’s No 10 heavyweight, fight Brazilian Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, the No 13 heavyweight.

The event is the second of six European, Middle East and Africa (Emea) Fight Night events UFC will be staging throughout the year. The first will be held in London on March 8 and pit Alexander Gustaffson against Jimi Manuwa for its headline fight.

In 2010, UFC 112 saw Anderson Silva retain his middleweight title belt against Demian Maia at Yas Island's "UFC 112: Invicible" in the premier MMA competition's first foray into the UAE.

Over the weekend UFC president Dana White hinted at the announcement, telling MMAWeekly.com at a media lunch that, “We’re going back to Abu Dhabi this year.”

Other events in Mexico, Turkey, Poland, Ireland, Sweden and Germany are planned for this year.

Abu Dhabi Media last month secured broadcast rights for UFC events in the Mena region on a three-year deal. The deal also covers additional broadcast material such as Fighter Profile, Countdown, Road to the Octagon and weigh-ins.

Abu Dhabi Media is the parent company of The National.