Chimaev and Makhachev get the crowd going as mood shifts ahead of UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi

A couple of days out from UFC 267 and the mood certainly shifted, with Thursday night’s pre-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi bringing a definite intensity.

The UFC returns to the capital with a stellar card at Etihad Arena on Saturday, comprising two title bouts and a number of intriguing match-ups – particularly on the main bill.

On Thursday, in front of a select but still-vocal crowd at Etihad Arena, inaugural Fight Island star Khamzat Chimaev played to the expectant audience by trading taunts with upcoming opponent Li Jiagliang.

At the stare-down, the two went nose-to-nose as UFC president Dana White attempted to keep them from butting heads.

Meanwhile, former champion Petr Yan tried to spook rival Cory Sandhagen during the face-off before their interim bantamweight title clash on Saturday, but the No 3-ranked contender didn’t flinch.

The biggest cheers of the night were saved for Chimaev and top lightweight contender Islam Makhachev, with White entering the stage first to huge cheers.

Asked about the significance of the relationship between the UFC and Abu Dhabi, which stretches back more than a decade, White said: “Very important. Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in a lot of the things that we’ve done over the last 10, 12 years.

“And hopefully when this week is over it’s going to be a lot more instrumental and I can finally tell you guys all the things we’ve been working on over here. We’re planning on doing massive, massive things in this country so I’m looking forward to it.”

Previewing the night's main event, light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz and Glover Teixeira kept it light for the most part, although both vowed to knock out the other. Teixeira, the No 1-ranked contender, was celebrating his 42nd birthday on Thursday, with Blachowicz saying he'll have a present for him post-fight on Saturday.

"Not the belt," the Pole joked.

Specs

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Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

COMPANY%20PROFILE

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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.

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.	United States
2.	China
3.	UAE
4.	Japan
5	Norway
6.	Canada
7.	Singapore
8.	Australia
9.	Saudi Arabia
10.	South Korea

Company%20profile

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MORE ON THE US DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES

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Common%20symptoms%20of%20MS

%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFatigue%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3Enumbness%20and%20tingling%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ELoss%20of%20balance%20and%20dizziness%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStiffness%20or%20spasms%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETremor%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPain%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBladder%20problems%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBowel%20trouble%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVision%20problems%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EProblems%20with%20memory%20and%20thinking%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A

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Brief scoreline:

Manchester United 0

Manchester City 2

Bernardo Silva 54', Sane 66'

On Women's Day

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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)

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THE%20FLASH

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Results

2.15pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m

Winner: Hello, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihi (trainer).

2.45pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m

Winner: Right Flank, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

3.15pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,000m

Winner: Leading Spirit, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

3.45pm: Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 Dh575,000 1,600m

Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.

4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,400m

Winner: Ode To Autumn, Patrick Cosgrave, Satish Seemar.

4.45pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh125,000 1,200m

Winner: Last Surprise, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.

5.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,200m

Winner: Daltrey, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihi.

Company%20profile

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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.

If you go

The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.