Preparations are ramping up ahead of this week’s UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, as the Etihad Arena gets set to welcome for the first time the world’s lead mixed martial arts organisation.
The new venue will officially open its doors to the public on Saturday, with UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs Kattar kicking off a run of three events in nine days.
Another Fight Night takes place on January 20 before Fight Island concludes four days later with Conor McGregor’s headline bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.
Unlike the previous two UFC residencies, which played out at the nearby Flash Forum, this run will be open to a limited number of fans. It marks the first time since March that the UFC has staged live events with spectators.
Tickets went on sale on Friday, with organisers reporting a “huge demand”. Package deals are still available for fight fans eager to attend.
The National was on Tuesday given a quick peek at preparations inside Etihad Arena, as excitement continues to build ahead of the UFC's latest stop in the capital.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
