Max Holloway said he delivered the best performance of his storied career against Calvin Kattar in Abu Dhabi early on Sunday, as the former featherweight champion strengthened his case for a trilogy clash with current belt-holder Alexander Volkanovski.
Ranked the division’s No 1 contender, Holloway dominated sixth-placed Kattar at UFC Fight Night in the capital to cruise to a unanimous decision, concluding the first event to be held at Etihad Arena in real style. The opening of three shows on Fight Island "Triple Header", it marked the first time since March that fans have been able to attend a UFC event.
Holloway took the bout 50-43, 50-43, 50-42 and in the process set a number of records, including for significant strikes landed (445, previous 290) and significant strike attempts (744, previous 515). At one point late on, the Hawaiian turned away from Kattar to scream to the broadcast team cage-side that he was the best boxer in the UFC – a reference to pre-fight predictions that his opponent would out-perform him when it came to trading blows.
Asked if it was his best display to date in his 24 UFC fights, Holloway said: “For sure. I was having the time of my life, man. I got to talk to [colour commentator Daniel Cormier] a little bit in there, let him know I'm coming for his job. ... your guys' jobs ain't safe, either. I want it all, baby."
The victory returned Holloway to winning ways after successive point-losses to Volkanovski, with the most recent being at the original Fight Island in Abu Dhabi in July. However, both were considered contentious.
The Australian is set to take on Brian Ortega in late March, and has repeatedly rejected talk of a third match-up against Holloway.
“He doesn’t want a tougher fight guys,” said Holloway, whose nickname is ‘Blessed’. “Let that sink in. He didn’t say he wants a tougher challenge. He knows who’s the toughest challenge; he knows it’s me. At the end of the day I’m not going to force anyone to fight me. I’m going to stay ready, do whatever I’ve got to do.
“We’ll see what happens. I can’t speak to him. I don’t know what will happen. When we get faced with the opportunity then we see. To get my first title, I had to win 10 fights and an interim [title]. Hard work? I ain't scared of no hard work. You know the saying: to be the best, you've go to beat the best. And the best is 'Blessed,' baby, so bring them all."
Speaking just beforehand, UFC president Dana White said Holloway deserved another shot at Volkanovski.
“We have to. I mean, when you’re the champion, you have the top five guys in the world gunning at you. When you’re the No 1 contender in the world, you’ve got the top 10 guys in the world. Sometimes, No 8 is more dangerous than No 3.
“Tonight, he fought a bad dude that a lot of people thought was going to beat him. He went out and treated him like No 6, so he did what he needed to do in spectacular fashion tonight. He deserves to fight Volkanovski again."
On the reigning champion, White said: “Listen, he’s got this Ortega fight coming up. I think for a guy like him to watch this fight tonight when he’s the No 1 contender, the way that he looked, Volkanovski can’t even deny Max deserves another shot.”
The UFC aired on ABC network in the United States for the first time and it was also the first event since 2018 to be broadcast on network television. ABC used to have a strong tradition for hosting the most prominent names in boxing.
"Maybe Muhammad Ali put a little bit of spirit in me, I don't know,” Holloway said, in reference to his ducking and diving when he turned away from Kattar. “That was a little bit of Muhammad right there. I was in the zone.
“I felt great. Just blessed to be on ABC, blessed to have fans back, blessed to be the first card of the year, blessed to be here in Etihad Arena – the first time – to be the first main event and send new numbers. I found out I hit him 700 times or something. That’s really cool. I was in my bag today."
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
List of alleged parties
- May 15 2020: Boris Johnson is said to have attended a Downing Street pizza party
- 27 Nov 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
- Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
- Dec 13 2020: Mr Johnson and his then-fiancee Carrie Symonds throw a flat party
- Dec 14 2020: Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative Party headquarters
- Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
- Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Ferrari
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Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
ENGLAND TEAM
Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
