UFC has confirmed that four events would be hosted in Abu Dhabi on a fight island.
The UFC happens to be one of the sports to have returned even amidst the coronavirus pandmemic.
The sport has tried to get over the pandemic and get the sport back on its feet. For instance the sport resumed with a series of cards last month in Florida.
In Las Vegas last weekend, Amanda Nunes defended her featherweight, and now there are plans for more events to hold next month.
On July 11, Yas Island will host UFC 251 with three Fight Nights on July 15, July 18 and July 25. The cards and fighters invloved are yet to be announced.
As a condtion for having the fights as planned, a number of safety measures would be put in place as fighters, coaches and UFC staff would be the only people to be allowed in the safety zone perimeter of ten square miles.
While giving the reason for the decision to have the fights on Fight Island, Dana White, the UFC president 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 ten years and it is the perfect place for these events,” he added.
Speaking further, White said the infrastructure being built in the place would provide a sensation and great experience for fighters and the staff.
“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,” he said.
“I can’t wait to deliver amazing fights from Yas island.”
Speaking about the UFC and their partnership with Abu Dhabi, the chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said,
“Our partnership with the UFC, now in its second year, has proved to be one of our most successful ventures in recent years.”
Al Mubarak thanked the UFC for their cooperation and said that Abu Dhabi would be ready and honoured to host the first Fight Island event.
“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,” said Al Mubarak.
