Which combat sport from the many that make up MMA would you consider your favourite and why?
My favourite would be wrestling.
Not because I’m the best at it, but because I think, if done right, it can dominate most fights. High level judo is my favourite to watch in MMA.
I love watching someone like Hector Lombard hit foot sweeps and throws during fights.
What’s behind the nickname?
My nickname “Highlight” was given to me in high-school football. I played running back and every play I was involved in tended to be exciting.
What led you to begin a career in MMA?
I had a strong desire to compete in something that pushed me to my limits with an element of danger.
Describe yourself as a person.
I think I’m a very positive, laid back, goal-orientated and confident man.
Describe yourself as a fighter.
I’m a cerebral fighter, but I’ve got an aggressive streak and know when to push the pace.
What is your biggest weapon?
I’m a thinking fighter with great cardio and toughness.
Who was your toughest opponent and why?
All of my opponents since I’ve been in the UFC have been tough as nails.
They’re in the UFC for that very reason.
How do you rate your chances of victory in Abu Dhabi?
Hundred per cent going to win [against Chris Camozzi].
What’s your perfect day off?
Lots of laughter, sleep and good food.
Where do you see your career in three years’ time?
In the top 10 of the middleweight division doing fight commentary on the side.
What do you say to people who call UFC “barbaric”?
Those people need to be educated more thoroughly on the sport.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow our sports coverage on Twitter @SprtNationalUAE
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh1,050,000
On sale: now
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Elvis
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
