The meeting between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor in 2018 lives on in infamy.
A bad tempered bout – which Nurmagomedov won via a neck crank in the fourth round – boiled over after the contest, with the Russian climbing out of the cage and leaping into the crowd at McGregor's cornerman Dillon Danis. The Irishman was then attacked by two of Nurmagomedov's cornermen in the ensuing melee.
Both men were issued lengthy bans, and the enmity between the two ensues to this day.
That rivalry will live vicariously through two new combatants on January 25 in a fight dubbed "Dagestan versus Ireland 2". Usman Nurmagomedov – a cousin of Khabib's – puts his Bellator lightweight title on the line against Paul Hughes – a fighter who grew up idolising McGregor – when they meet at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena in the headline bout of the PFL's main "Road to Dubai" fight card.
Usman Nurmagomedov, 26, arrives with a perfect record of 18 victories while 27-year-old Hughes (13-1) earned his title shot after a split decision win over American AJ McKee at the PFL Super Fights in Riyadh on October 19.
“The comparisons are true. It is Ireland versus Dagestan, number two. So, it's got great storyline and it's a pleasure to bring it right here in Dubai in the Coca-Cola Arena,” Hughes told The National on the sidelines of the signing of a multi-year partnership between PFL, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DDET), and the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
Hughes said watching the achievements of McGregor, a former two-time UFC champion, while an aspiring mixed martial artist himself growing up in Belfast had a "huge influence on me", and that McGregor had revolutionsied the fight game.
"I mean, nobody else from Ireland has done anything even close to what Conor has done," Hughes said. “Conor came into MMA and the UFC and completely changed the sport. So, as a young fighter coming up in Ireland, it's definitely a massive inspiration for me.”
Hughes has met McGregor numerous times and previously stated that he would love to have him in his corner.
“We will have to see right on the day or on fight week whether or not these sorts of things can happen but if it did, it would certainly add a lot of hype to the fight,” Hughes said on the prospect of McGregor potentially cornering him for the Nurmagomedov fight.
Like McGregor, Hughes doesn't lack for confidence. Two months out from the biggest fight of his career, he said he is ready to "shock the world".
“Usman is a very difficult, very good opponent. So, I absolutely have to be on my game on January 25 and I will be,” he said.
“I must train harder than ever. I must be the most prepared I've ever been to fight Usman because it's gonna be my most difficult challenge to date. I have to be ready to shock the world once again.
“I know that Usman is one of the best fighters in the world right now. He's 18-0 and has barely been touched in this whole career. It's certainly a very difficult task I have ahead of me.
“Nobody thought that I was going to win that fight [against Mckee]. I was a big underdog and a lot of people said that it was too big of a step up for me, being younger and earlier in my career, but I proved that I am who I say I am.
“I proved that I am one of the best fighters on the whole planet and I will prove once again when I fight Usman.”
The Professional Fighters' League has partnered with DDTE and DSC to host the Champions Series World Title event, which will see the promotion's biggest names compete in the emirate.
Peter Murray, the PFL chief executive, said: “The champion series will be an annual event but we are in conversation to expand the number of events here in Dubai long-term.
“I could envision the PFL Mena championship here in the coming years, perhaps even next year. So those conversations are ongoing, but yes, we're gonna expand the number of events.
“We're there to give the top fighters throughout the regions, representing their countries, a pathway to become regional champions, and then an opportunity to come up to our global season with the best of the world."
Saeed Hareb, general secretary of Dubai Sports Council, added: “We are pleased to cooperate with the DDET and the PFL to attract and develop talented athletes in martial arts.
“This agreement will be the beginning of creating a new generation of champions in sports who will raise the UAE’s flag in various international forums, by launching various training programmes and forming an Emirati martial arts team to bring them up to a standard of participation at international championships.
“Through this agreement, DSC will provide all means of support to ensure the success of the first-of-its-kind International Martial Arts Championship Series in the Middle East, which represents a qualitative addition to the list of international sporting events and enhances sports tourism.”
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2.
3.
4.
5.
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Result
Qualifier: Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets
Fixtures
Tuesday, Lahore: Eliminator 1 - Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
UAE%20Warriors%2033%20Results
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
Company%20Profile
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
US%20federal%20gun%20reform%20since%20Sandy%20Hook
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
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MATCH INFO
Newcastle United 1 (Carroll 82')
Leicester City 2 (Maddison 55', Tielemans 72')
Man of the match James Maddison (Leicester)
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WHAT IS GRAPHENE?
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were experimenting with sticky tape and graphite, the material used as lead in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But when they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
Evacuations to France hit by controversy
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How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
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JAPAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Mina Al Oraibi: Air strike casts a long shadow over the decade ahead
Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks
Damien McElroy: A CEO tasked with spreading Iran's influence
Hussein Ibish: Trump's order on solid constitutional ground
Rashmee Roshan Lall: Sound of silence in South Asia
• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain
• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister
• Could the UAE drive India's economy?
• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it
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• The National announces Future of News journalism competition
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Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
War on waste
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The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
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National Editorial: Suleimani has been killed, now we must de-escalate
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Jack Moore: Why the assassination is such a monumental gamble
Matthew Levitt: Iran retains its ability to launch terror attacks
Damien McElroy: A CEO tasked with spreading Iran's influence
Hussein Ibish: Trump's order on solid constitutional ground
Simon Waldman: Cautious Israel keeping a low profile
Rashmee Roshan Lall: Sound of silence in South Asia
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Sri Lanka Test squad:
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
The%20specs%20
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
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