ABU DHABI: The Ultimate Fighting Championship, a Mixed Martial Arts organization, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, announced on Wednesday that Etihad Arena will host the UFC Fight Night on Aug. 3, 2024.
The UFC’s return to the UAE capital marks the second event of its type in less than a year.
Abu Dhabi’s DCT Director General Saleh Al-Geziry said: “This is a major milestone in our ongoing partnership. Some of the most iconic moments in UFC history have taken place during epic Fight Nights — and we are excited to create more spectacular memories for MMA fans.”
UFC’s CEO Dana White said: “I’m excited to bring another EPIC event. Abu Dhabi is an amazing destination, especially if you are a fight fan. I tell everyone to fly in early, check out the amazing food and experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, and then end the trip with incredible fights.”
The UFC Fight Night will be the 18th event in Abu Dhabi, dating back to UFC 112: Invincible in April 2010.
Last year, UFC, in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, hosted UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2, where a sold-out Etihad Arena witnessed Islam Makhachev defend his lightweight title against UFC’s featherweight champion and fan favorite Alexander Volkanovski, who stepped up to the challenge at late notice.
The UAE’s MMA continues to develop as UFC signed its first-ever Emirati athlete, Mohammad Yahya, who debuted in front of a home crowd at UFC 294.
UFC Fight Night set for Aug. 3, 2024, in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
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UFC Fight Night set for Aug. 3, 2024, in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
- Abu Dhabi’s DCT Director General Saleh Al-Geziry said: ‘We are excited to create more spectacular memories for MMA fans’
- UFC’s CEO Dana White said: ‘Abu Dhabi is an amazing destination, especially if you are a fight fan’
Perth Scorchers win sixth BBL title after trouncing Sydney Sixers
- The Australia squad will fly to Pakistan to play three 20-over matches
- It will prepare Australia for opening T20 World Cup fixture against Ireland
PERTH: Perth Scorchers raced to their sixth Big Bash League title on Sunday with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers in the final at Perth Stadium.
Earning hosting rights after crushing the Sixers in a qualifier last week, the Scorchers bowled first and bowled their six-time Grand Final rivals out for a paltry 132 in 20 overs as pacemen David Payne and Jhye Richardson combined for six wickets.
With 15 balls remaining in their reply, the hosts reached 133-4 anchored by a 43-ball 44 from Mitch Marsh.
“It feels like a weight has been lifted off our shoulders, we have high expectations, and to be able to deliver on those expectations is really satisfying,” said Scorchers captain Ashton Turner.
The table-topping Scorchers started their chase in audacious fashion when Marsh, Australia’s T20 captain, pulled the first ball for six.
His opening partner Finn Allen, the season’s top run-scorer with 466, got the better of quick Mitchell Starc in a 19-run fourth over, bringing the crowd to their feet with a scooped six into the second tier.
With rain threatening, the Scorchers powered ahead at nearly 10 an over until a spectacular one-handed catch by Jack Edwards off Starc dismissed Allen for 36.
Seamer Sean Abbott accounted for Aaron Hardie (five) and Marsh, but Josh Inglis (29 not out) saw the Scorchers over the line with a majestic six over long-off.
Earlier, the Perth crowd of 55,018 roared in delight when Sixers’ drawcard Steve Smith, who averaged 60 in the tournament at a strike rate of 168 yet finds himself out of T20 World Cup reckoning, dejectedly departed for 24 when all-rounder Hardie reviewed for lbw.
Fortunate to survive three missed run outs in the space of five balls, skipper Moises Henriques was caught for 24 off the medium pace of Payne, who ended with 3-18.
Fast bowler Mahli Beardman, on the cusp of international selection, closed out the innings with two wickets and a run out in the final over.
The Australia squad will fly to Pakistan for three 20-over matches in preparation for their first T20 World Cup fixture against Ireland in Colombo on February 11.
