So, here we are… finally, UFC Fight Island is upon us.
Little more than one month after Abu Dhabi was confirmed as host of this inaugural, four-event series, UFC 251 kicks off proceedings on Yas Island – and what a show to bring up the curtain.
Three world title fights – for only the sixth time in UFC history – a headline bout featuring one of the true superstars of the sport taking the fight on six days' notice, and an eagerly anticipated rematch that's been more than a year in the making.
For many, this is the most stacked card of 2020. Even UFC president Dana White could barely contain his excitement at the pre-event weigh-ins on Friday.
Flash Forum is most definitely where it's at tonight and into tomorrow. And The National is present for it all. Follow here, for updates, pictures and reports on the biggest sporting occasion on the UAE calendar this year. UFC Fight Island is good to go.
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 720hp
Torque: 770Nm
Price: Dh1,100,000
On sale: now
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
UAE squad to face Ireland
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind
