UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with Conor McGregor fight in January

Abu Dhabi - UFC president Dana White confirmed the fixtures of three fight nights and UFC 257 through a promotional video

The UFC mixed martial arts promotion is set to return to Abu Dhabi’s Fight Island in January 2021 with a triple header, including a bout featuring Irish superstar Conor McGregor.

The UFC president Dana White confirmed the fixtures of three fight nights and UFC 257 through a promotional video.

“Vacation is over,” White tweeted.

In the first Fight Night on January 17, the headline card will see former UFC featherweight champion and No.1 contender Max Holloway clash against Calvin Kattar.

Four days later, a welterweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Leon Edwards will serve as the main event.

And on January 24, it will be a rematch in the lightweight division between former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion McGregor and former interim champion Dustin Poirier.

At UFC 178 in 2014, McGregor defeated Poirier in a first-round TKO.

These three mega events once again have confirmed Abu Dhabi’s status as the new home of the UFC.

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi hosted two mega events in the space of three months, where Khabib Nurmagomedov registered an impressive victory over Justin Gaethje and later stunned everyone by announcing his decision to retire.

The UFC series this year were held on Yas Island through a partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The fights were held in a ‘safe zone’ bubble on the island dedicated for the sport. The zone includes the main venue, hotels, beach and other entertainment facilities.

However, it has not been revealed so far if the fights will be held at the new multipurpose 18,000 capacity Etihad Arena or continue at the Flash Forum.