On Thursday, the UFC stages its second Fight Island event, with UFC Fight Night 1 taking place on Yas Island. Here’s the details.
What is it?
UFC Fight Night 1, the latest instalment in the world's lead mixed martial arts promotion. It follows from Sunday's hugely successful UFC 251, which opened the inaugural Fight Island. The four-show series was created by the UFC primarily to allow its international athletes to compete during the coronavirus pandemic. Abu Dhabi was announced as host on June 9.
When is it?
Thursday July 16, from 3am. Main card starts at 6am.
Where is it?
Flash Forum, which has been redesigned to stage the UFC this month. Because of the public health guidelines in place, the event takes place with no paying spectators in attendance. Flash Forum can be found inside the UFC "safe zone", an 11-kilometre stretch open only to those connected with the running of Fight Island. It is said to house around 2,000 people.
Who is fighting?
The card is topped by two in-form featherweights with designs on taking a huge step towards a title shot. Calvin Kattar, ranked sixth in the division, takes on No 10 Dan Ige. Kattar (21-4) is coming off an excellent technical-knockout victory against Jeremy Stephens at UFC 249 in May, while Ige (14-2) has won his past six, including a split decision against Edson Barboza in May. The co-main event features flyweights Tim Elliot versus Ryan Benoit.
Elsewhere, there’s substantial local interest with Dubai-based Tunisian Mounir Lazzez making his UFC debut against the returning Abdul Razak Alhassan. That tussle kicks off the main card.
Full fight card (subject to change):
Main Card
Calvin Kattar v Dan Ige
Tim Elliott v Ryan Benoit
Jimmie Rivera v Cody Stamann
Molly McCann v Taila Santos
Abdul Razak Alhassan v Mounir Lazzez
Preliminary Card
John Phillips v Khamzat Chimaev
Lerone Murphy v Ricardo Ramos
Modestas Bukauskas v Andreas Michailidas
Chris Fishgold v Jared Gordon
Diana Belbita v Liana Jojua
Aaron Phillips v Jack Shore
Kenneth Bergh v Jorge Gonzalez
How to watch?
Fight fans in the UAE can catch the early action on Abu Dhabi Sports 2, with the main card available only through the UFC Arabia app.
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jawan
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
MATCH DETAILS
Barcelona 0
Slavia Prague 0
SCHEDULE
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
Amith's predicted winners:
6.30pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.05pm: Etisalat
7.40pm: Mulfit
8.15pm: Pennsylvania Dutch
8.50pm: Mudallel
9.25pm: Midnight Sands
