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It cemented the emirate’s position as the mixed martial arts capital of the world
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week returns with UFC 280 on Yas Island later this month. — photos provided
The UAE capital has cemented its status as a global mixed martial arts (MMA) destination by hosting world-class events, a senior government official said, with UFC 280 on Yas Island for Abu Dhabi Showdown Week later this month .
“Abu Dhabi made its first attempt at hosting an MMA event in 2010, and UFC Invincible 112 was an immediate international success, attracting global attention to the UAE and proving the capital’s ability to host a professional international combat sport event. This event solidified the our interest and paved the way for Abu Dhabi to become a global MMA hub,” said Saleh Al Geziry, Director of Tourism, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
In 2019, UFC and DCT-Abu Dhabi announced a groundbreaking five-year partnership to bring high-profile competition to the UAE capital, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s ability to host the combat sport.
“In 15 months, despite the global pandemic, Abu Dhabi has hosted 13 UFC events, including title fights and fight nights. Abu Dhabi underlines its importance to the franchise, solidifying Its place on the MMA map and demonstrates its dedication to fans eager to tune in and those associated with health and well-being. While most events are held without fans, when the public is allowed to attend again , tickets sold out within hours.”
Saleh Al Geziry, Director of Tourism, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. — photos provided
Al Geziry noted that the rise of MMA in the region is “unprecedented”.
“We can attribute the surge to our continued partnership with the UFC to host a major title fight in Abu Dhabi. Hosting world-class events such as UFC 280: Oliveira vs Makhachev not only strengthens the emirate’s finances, it also provides global recognition , allowing us to demonstrate our ability to host international events with the highest health and safety standards and position Abu Dhabi as a growing sports destination.”
Al Geziry said the strategic partnership with the UFC has been a “very fruitful and successful venture” over the past few years.
“Back in April 2019, when we announced our groundbreaking five-year partnership with the UFC, we could not have predicted the partnership would be a huge success. Significant growth in tourism has brought undeniable positives to the economy Impact. We are seeing residents show more proactive lifestyles as well,” he stressed. “There is no doubt that we have demonstrated our importance to the UFC as a global hub and look forward to the remainder of this partnership.”
The UFC 267 Championship at the Etihad Arena in October 2021 is the perfect end to Abu Dhabi duel week. — photos provided
Although the capital has been the site of UFC events during the Covid-19 pandemic, UFC 280 will welcome its first full return and activation since UFC 242 in September 2019, which featured Khabib and Dustin Poirier.
“Returning at full capacity for the first time since 2019 and the global pandemic, Showdown Abu Dhabi will bring a host of city-wide events including fan zones, concerts, retail promotions, dining offers, open workouts and more. It will keep fans entertained They witness the thrill of a live event firsthand and provide them with a unique opportunity to participate and immerse themselves in UFC and MMA-related events.”
The week of action from October 17th to 23rd will feature Russia’s Islam Makhachev of Khabib Nurmagomedov Camp and Brazil’s Charles O’ of Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The lightweight title fight between Rivera grabbed the headlines.
The second title fight gives fans a chance to witness history being made as reigning bantamweight champion Ajaman Sterling takes on two-time champion TJ Dillashaw in the co-main event. There will be other high-profile matches, including Petr Yan vs. Sean O’Malley, Belal Muhammad vs. Sean Brady and Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot.
Peter Yan won the interim batamweight title at UFC 267. – Photos provided
Al Geziry emphasized that Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is an important part of DCT, Abu Dhabi’s ongoing strategy to develop the emirate into a world-renowned global destination for sports, entertainment and culture.
“It continues in the footsteps of previous UFC events and joins other major sporting events we have hosted such as Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, HSBC Golf Championships Abu Dhabi, Mubadala World Tennis Championships , the NBA and many other events.”
After proving itself as the undisputed international home of the UFC, Al Geziry added that Abu Dhabi has ambitions to become the “international capital” of MMA.
“Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will only reinforce that mission with a series of events and activations of UFC 280.”
Bronze to VVIP categories are sold out. Limited VIP packages are still available on ufcvip.com.
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