The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has confirmed the return of UFC Fight Island to the capital with the much-anticipated series taking place on Yas Island from 26 September to 24 October.
‘Return To UFC Fight Island’ will feature an epic five-event schedule that will kick off with UFC 253 and conclude with UFC 254, marking Khabib Nurmagomedov’s return to the Octogan for the first time since defeating USA’s Dustin Poirier at last year’s Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.
There will also be three UFC Fight Nights lined up in between.
This will be another historic first for Abu Dhabi as the series returns to the same city outside of Las Vegas in less than three months.
UFC President, Dana White said in a press release on Thursday: “This stretch of fights is going to be insane and I can't wait.”
“UFC Fight Island proved to be a tremendous success and its rapid return is testament to the strength of our partnership with UFC, and the global confidence in Abu Dhabi's ability and preparedness to host major international events with the highest standards of health and safety,” said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.
The upcoming series will follow a similar ‘bubble’ concept as seen at the inaugural UFC Fight Island in July, with regular COVID-19 tests taking place throughout the series.
‘Return to UFC Fight Island’ will be broadcast in the UAE on UFC Arabia.