UFC 242 Set For Abu Dhabi
For the first time in five years, the UFC will return to Abu Dhabi with UFC 242, marking the start of a five year partnership between the organization and the capital of the UAE’s Department of Culture & Tourism.
No location has been set for the September 7th card, but rumors are circulating that it will featured the return of Khabib Nurmagomedov as he defends the lightweight title against interim champion Dustin Poirier in the main event.
“Abu Dhabi is now firmly established as a unique tourism destination which offers a diverse mix of activities and initiatives that cater to all kinds of audience and visitors,” said HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi. “The emirate also has a strong affiliation with world-class sporting events, such as the FIFA World Club Cup, the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the Red Bull Air Race, and now this deal to bring UFC here allows us to once again show our ability to stage major events that thrill visitors and residents alike. UFC will become a key component of Abu Dhabi’s thriving events calendar for the next five years, which is already packed full of not only great sporting events, but also cultural, arts and entertainment offerings as well. This spectacular mixed martial arts event, which has a huge following around the world, will bring heightened impetus to visitation in the third quarter for the emirate and will no doubt boost incoming tourist numbers as fight fans across the world gather in Abu Dhabi.”
“We are making a long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi because we have had great success in that market,” said UFC President Dana White of the deal that will run until 2024.
“The demand from our fans to bring UFC back to Abu Dhabi has been overwhelming, and over the next five years, DCT Abu Dhabi will help us deliver some spectacular UFC championship fights to the UAE. I’m very excited about this partnership and what it will mean for the growth of this sport and for UFC in the region.”
The last time the Octagon made its way to Abu Dhabi was UFC 112, featuring a disappointing effort from then UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, defeating Demian Maia by unanimous decision.
Report via Fightful