ABU DHABI // Rick Story might well have been serving as an officer with the US National Guard now, stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Instead, the American, 25, is preparing for a very different kind of battle on Saturday night, one that will take place inside a cage at UFC 112: Invincible on Yas Island.
The welterweight, who has lost friends serving overseas, was set to begin officer's school at the start of this year. He had been commissioned as a platoon leader while in university.
He was three fights into his first four-fight contract with UFC when the call came from the National Guard. At the time he was unsure of his future in mixed martial arts.
"It was a big decision," he said. "I wasn't sure if I was completely into the fighting. In my three fights I was one-and-two, so it wasn't like I started off with a bang.
"I was struggling financially and wouldn't have been struggling if I took the place. But I didn't get the school I wanted, so I gave up that career path and took a chance."
He went on to win his fight against Jesse Lennox at UFC Fight Night 20 in January and was offered another four-fight deal.
For now, his plan to stay in southern Oregon and put himself through university for a masters in teaching has been put on hold. He is dedicated to pursuing a welterweight championship title. "I wouldn't be doing this sport if I wasn't planning on being a world champion," he said.
Story is tough but his voice softens when he talks about his love for the sport he hopes will bring him success. "When I learn a new technique, I feel like a little kid," he said. "It sounds geeky, but I feel giggly and I just want to get started."
On Saturday he will face English fighter Nick Osipczak, a maths graduate from London who starred in TUF: United States v United Kingdom. He is the next obstacle, and Story is ready to do battle.
"He has a different kind of style; it's not a style I am used to facing. He doesn't seem aggressive, he seems to wait until his opponent gets tired. But I don't usually tire."
loatway@thenational.ae
more from Janine di Giovanni
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
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Essentials
The flights
Whether you trek after mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the Congo, the most convenient international airport is in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. There are direct flights from Dubai a couple of days a week with RwandAir. Otherwise, an indirect route is available via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. Flydubai flies to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, via Entebbe in Uganda. Expect to pay from US$350 (Dh1,286) return, including taxes.
The tours
Superb ape-watching tours that take in all three gorilla countries mentioned above are run by Natural World Safaris. In September, the company will be operating a unique Ugandan ape safari guided by well-known primatologist Ben Garrod.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, local operator Kivu Travel can organise pretty much any kind of safari throughout the Virunga National Park and elsewhere in eastern Congo.
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UAE%20FIXTURES
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
RESULT
Arsenal 1 Chelsea 2
Arsenal: Aubameyang (13')
Chelsea: Jorginho (83'), Abraham (87')
MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SCE%20Studio%20Cambridge%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%2C%20PlayStation%204%20and%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
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