UFC Fight Island: Etihad Airways flies UFC fighters and crew to Abu Dhabi


Steve Luckings
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UFC stars Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Amanda Ribas and Paige VanZant were among the athletes and crew who touched down in Abu Dhabi this past weekend ahead of this month's series of events at UFC Fight Island.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, carried Aldo, Ribas and Jessica Andrade from Sao Paolo to Abu Dhabi, with Holloway, VanZant and Rose Namajunas jetting into the capital from Las Vegas.

All personnel underwent a series of Covid-19 tests before flying to the UAE and will be subject to strict protocols on arrival and throughout their stay at Yas Island.

Abu Dhabi will host events from July 12-26, including this Sunday's UFC 251 extravaganza headlined by Kamaru Usman, who will defend his welterweight championship against Jorge Masvidal, the American drafted in as a replacement for Gilbert Burns after the Brazilian tested positive for Covid-19.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Lamsa

Founder: Badr Ward

Launched: 2014

Employees: 60

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: EdTech

Funding to date: $15 million

THE CARD

2pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

2.30pm: Handicap Dh 76,000 (D) 1,400m

3pm: Handicap Dh 64,000 (D) 1,200m

3.30pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh 100,000 (D) 1,000m

4pm: Maiden Dh 60,000 (D) 1,000m

4.30pm: Handicap 64,000 (D) 1,950m