The UFC returns on Sunday with its first pay-per-view event since last month’s UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi. The headline bout at UFC 258, the long-awaited clash between welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns, marks the first of six title fights in the next six weeks for the promotion. Here’s a look at the UFC’s upcoming 'golden' stretch.
Kamaru Usman v Gilbert Burns, UFC 258 (Feb 14)
What a way to kick off the championship run. Riding a 16-fight win streak (12 in the UFC), Usman hasn’t lost in almost eight years, is ranked fifth in the pound-for-pound standings and has looked supreme against elite opponents in his past three victories.
However, in Burns he takes on not only the No 1-ranked contender, but a former teammate and close friend, who knows better than most what it will take to dish out a first defeat. This was originally supposed to headline the inaugural Fight Island series in Abu Dhabi in July last year, but Burns contracted Covid-19. Finally, two of the most talented welterweights in the world will square off.
Jan Blachowicz v Israel Adesanya, UFC 259 (Mar 7)
He may have fought as recently as September, in his dazzling and dominant victory against the previously unbeaten Paulo Costa in Abu Dhabi, but Adesanya's return can be described still as "much-anticipated", such is the unbeaten middleweight champion's skill set and profile.
Add to that that Adesanya, whose pro record stands at 20-0, is moving up for the first time to light-heavyweight in a bid to become a double champ – only the UFC’s seventh in history – only heightens the expectation. In Blachowicz, though, he faces a serious roadblock in his quest for "double champ" status. The powerful Pole was superb in his Abu Dhabi victory against Dominick Reyes in September. A win would hint at a lengthy reign.
Amanda Nunes v Megan Anderson, UFC 259
The greatest female fighter in the history of mixed martial arts returns to defend one of her two titles – this time with the featherweight crown up for grabs. Nunes has not fought since last June's victory against Felicia Spencer, and in that time has become a mother. How parenthood affects her preparations, and fight-game perspective, adds an intriguing layer to the bout with Anderson.
The Australian, meanwhile, is the heavy underdog, a former Invicta FC champion who rebounded from defeat to Spencer in 2019 to put together a two-fight win streak. Patently, Anderson needs to be at the top of her game to stand a chance in this rescheduled December clash.
Petr Yan v Aljamain Sterling, UFC 259
A hugely competitive bantamweight title encounter makes up the championship bouts at UFC 259, with Yan aiming to defend the belt he won in devastating fashion in Abu Dhabi last July. There, the Russian dominated Jose Aldo to take the vacant strap – and lift his win streak to 10. Yan has not fought since, although the match-up with Sterling was initially scheduled for December.
The American sits as the division’s No 1 contender, and hasn’t been beaten in his past five outings; his last victory, in June, was by first-round submission against the since-impressive Cody Sandhagen. Both fighters are known for their high output, which should make for an explosive encounter.
Stipe Miocic v Francis Ngannou, UFC 260 (Mar 28)
A rematch of the first meeting in 2018, when Miocic brought to a halt Ngannou's 10-fight win streak (none of which had made it past the second round). Now, the American perches proudly as the greatest heavyweight in MMA history having seen off old foe Daniel Cormier in their trilogy bout last August.
Ngannou, though, has rebuilt his career following the initial defeat, with his four victories since each lasting no longer than 71 seconds. What is more, all arrived against formidable opponents.
Will Miocic have his measure again, when he wrestled his way to a unanimous decision? Or can Ngannou’s incredible punch power resonate? A lot has changed in the three years since their first face-off.
Alexander Volkanovski v Brian Ortega, UFC 260
The last of the six-week title run, this should not disappoint. Volkanovski rides a 19-fight win streak, including the two tussles with Max Holloway, where he secured the featherweight belt then defended it. The latter, in Abu Dhabi in July, went once more to the judges, with the Australian emerging victorious by split decision. That many thought Holloway actually won that fight remains a bone of contention for the champion.
Ortega counts his loss to Holloway in 2018 as his only professional blemish, but responded emphatically in October after 20 months out to dominate Chan Sung Jung in Abu Dhabi. With Volkanovski’s accuracy and Ortega’s incredible stand-up on display for the first time against “The Korean Zombie”, this promises fireworks.
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
More from Armen Sarkissian
Record breaker
- The most total field goals made in NBA history, as well as the most consecutive games scoring 10 or more points
- The only player in NBA history to reach 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists
- Four-time regular season MVP and four-time NBA Finals MVP
- Six-time NBA All-Defensive selection. Rookie of the Year in 2004
- The most All-NBA selections with 21 in a row, including a record 13 first team selections
- The most consecutive All-Star selections with 21
- The only player to play alongside his son; Bronny James was chosen by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft
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Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
The%20specs
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Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
The Indoor Cricket World Cup
When: September 16-23
Where: Insportz, Dubai
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
The specs: 2018 Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
Price, base / as tested: Dh263,235 / Dh420,000
Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
Power 375hp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 3,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.4L / 100kms
Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War by Thomas J. Brennan and Finbarr O’Reilly
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
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Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
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CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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Children who witnessed blood bath want to help others
Aged just 11, Khulood Al Najjar’s daughter, Nora, bravely attempted to fight off Philip Spence. Her finger was injured when she put her hand in between the claw hammer and her mother’s head.
As a vital witness, she was forced to relive the ordeal by police who needed to identify the attacker and ensure he was found guilty.
Now aged 16, Nora has decided she wants to dedicate her career to helping other victims of crime.
“It was very horrible for her. She saw her mum, dying, just next to her eyes. But now she just wants to go forward,” said Khulood, speaking about how her eldest daughter was dealing with the trauma of the incident five years ago. “She is saying, 'mama, I want to be a lawyer, I want to help people achieve justice'.”
Khulood’s youngest daughter, Fatima, was seven at the time of the attack and attempted to help paramedics responding to the incident.
“Now she wants to be a maxillofacial doctor,” Khulood said. “She said to me ‘it is because a maxillofacial doctor returned your face, mama’. Now she wants to help people see themselves in the mirror again.”
Khulood’s son, Saeed, was nine in 2014 and slept through the attack. While he did not witness the trauma, this made it more difficult for him to understand what had happened. He has ambitions to become an engineer.
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
The specs
A4 35 TFSI
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
A4 S4 TDI
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 350bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
