UFC Abu Dhabi opens the door for fans’ return

Abu Dhabi - On January 24, UFC 257 features Conor McGregor who will take on Dustin Poirier in a much-anticipated rematch

A limited number of fans will be allowed to watch UFC’s mixed martial arts series to be held at the newly-built state-of-the-art Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island this month.

The third instalment of Fight Island series — the Fight Night and UFC 257 — is the first sports event to see the return of fans to the venue since the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in December announced the reopening of the emirate to tourism and for hosting of events.

It will also be the inaugural event at the Etihad Arena – the region’s largest indoor entertainment venue. The series are held as part of the partnership between the UFC and the DCT – Abu Dhabi.

The triple header series kicks off on January 16 with featherweight No. 1 ranked Max Holloway taking on No. 6 Calvin Kattar. On January 20, Michael Chiesa will fight Neil Magny in the welterweight division.

On January 24, UFC 257 features Conor McGregor who will take on Dustin Poirier in a much-anticipated rematch.

UFC President Dana White is looking forward to the latest rounds of UFC fights in Abu Dhabi.

“I’m pumped to start the year with a straight week of great fights – Saturday, Wednesday and Sunday – for fight fans all over the world with Fight Island Triple Header,” White said.

Ali Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said the fight Island event cements Abu Dhabi’s standing as a world-class global destination for sport and also the safest.

“Following the reopening of our emirate to international tourism, we are delighted to welcome fans to Etihad Arena, our new world-class events and entertainment venue on Yas Island. Abu Dhabi’s collaborative and coordinated response in tackling the spread of the coronavirus has inspired pioneering health measures to ensure a safe and secure environment.”

Following the strict guidelines, all the UFC team members, including fighters will be in a safe zone on Yas Island.

There will also be additional restricted zones, which will allow fans to safely attend the events. As part of additional Covid-19 measures, fans need to arrive 90 minutes early for temperature and health check-ups.

No bags or strollers are permitted, face masks must be worn by everyone aged 6 and above at all times, including during the performance.

Social distancing norms are to be followed, and contactless payments and downloading of tickets on mobile phones is highly recommended.

Limited tickets are on sale at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae. The events will be broadcast live around the world, in the UAE and Mena on Abu Dhabi Sports, and streamed on UFC Arabia.

Schedule

January 16

UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs Kattar

(Prelims: 9pm, main card: 11:55pm)

January 20

UFC Fight Night: Chiesa vs Magny

(Prelims: 6pm, main card: 9pm)

January 24

UFC 257: Poirier vs McGregor

(Prelims: 3am, main card: 7am)