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The card headlines the highly anticipated clash between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev over the vacant lightweight crown.
Amir Naqvi, sports editor
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on October 22, with Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev battling for the vacant lightweight title at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
UFC 280: OLIVEIRA vs MAKHACHEV will be the latest event in the UAE capital as part of a landmark partnership between the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization and the Department of Culture and Tourism – DCT Abu Dhabi – Abu DCT Abu Dhabi started in 2019.
The UFC 280 card promises to be another blockbuster night for MMA fans, featuring two coveted fights featuring Oliveira and Makhachev. The second fight will be between bantamweight champion Ajaman Sterling and TJ Dillashaw.
While Abu Dhabi has hosted international UFC events throughout the pandemic, UFC 280 will be returning to the emirate in full physical form for the first time since UFC 242: Khabib vs Poirier in September 2019.
October will also mark Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, with a series of events taking place in conjunction with UFC 280 from October 17th to 23rd, including fan events, concerts and other city-wide events.
With one month to go before the highly anticipated competition, Gulf Today spoke to Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director of Tourism, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
Interview excerpts.
What should we expect during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week?
UFC® 280: OLIVEIRA vs MAKHACHEV will be the sixth UFC event in Abu Dhabi and we are proud to once again host the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization at the Etihad Arena – the region’s largest multi-purpose indoor arena located in The stunning waterfront of Yas Bay. In addition to all these high-profile games, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will bring a host of city-wide events including fan zones, concerts, retail promotions, dining offers, public workouts and many more. Fans will not only witness the thrill of live events, but also have the unique opportunity to attend and participate in a variety of events related to the UFC and MMA.
As for the Main Event, UFC® 280: OLIVEIRA vs MAKHACHEV presents an extraordinary fight card with an unmissable title fight. Among them was the world number six, Aljamain Sterling, who defended his bantamweight title against TJ Dillashaw. Islam Makhachev will then go head-to-head with former UFC champion Charles Oliveira, the No. 1 UFC lightweight.
The partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and the UFC continues to grow, with the aim of bringing fans the best events featuring big names. We will continue to do so at UFC® 280: OLIVEIRA vs MAKHACHEV and beyond.
Tickets for UFC 280: Oliveira vs Makhachev sold out within hours due to the growing demand for UFC in Abu Dhabi. The inaugural Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC 242 Khabib vs. Poirier and UFC 257 Poirier vs. McGregor also sold out within hours.
How did Abu Dhabi Showdown Week help Abu Dhabi establish itself as a global sports hub?
Abu Dhabi is committed to building strategic partnerships with global stakeholders to provide an action-packed sports experience for its residents and visitors. Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is a profound example of Abu Dhabi government key stakeholders working closely with international partners to host multiple sporting events in various locations. The event underscores Abu Dhabi’s status as a global destination with a rich diversity of cultural, sporting, entertainment and leisure attractions.
Over the years, Abu Dhabi has hosted successful global events, attracting tourists from all over the world to the Mubadala World Tennis Championships, multiple UFC events, Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Indian Super Bowl Leagues, FINA World Championships and more, proving its ability to host large-scale live sports and entertainment events.
Abu Dhabi’s influence on the global sports and entertainment landscape continues with the return of ADSW and the highly anticipated UFC® 280: OLIVEIRA & MAKHACHEV. The final quarter of the year will see major sporting events like the NBA and Formula 1. Some of the hottest names in the UFC will be in action just two weeks after basketball’s biggest stars arrive at the Abu Dhabi Arena, while the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is ​​set for Yas Island in a few weeks Bring its signature thrills later, in November.
How important is Abu Dhabi Showdown Week to tourism authorities?
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is an important part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing strategy to share our emirate with the world and drive our sustainable growth as a world-class tourism destination.
Abu Dhabi already has a reputation for attracting international stars from the screen, sports and music worlds, as it quickly became known for hosting unforgettable events and experiences. As such, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week and its many components are an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that the city has the infrastructure and capacity to host such an event, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination partner.
The increase in the number of tourists from the Gulf region and beyond also enables us to fulfill our mission to share Abu Dhabi with the world, bringing a rich experience to our guests as they witness our culture, ideas and shared landscape of possibilities . We sincerely look forward to welcoming everyone to taste the best of Arabian hospitality and our unparalleled attractions.
So, we really hope that MMA fans will take the time to explore all that the emirate has to offer, such as riding the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and dune bashing in the world’s tallest dunes in the Empty Quarter , soak up the sun on our pristine beaches or enjoy amazing dining options in Yas Bay.
No matter what they are looking for, there is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi – a destination full of exciting, inspiring and rejuvenating experiences.
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