Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev were involved in a tense final face-off on Friday ahead of their headline title bout at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
The lightweight contenders, who have gradually cranked up hostilities as the week has progressed in the capital, went nose-to-nose at the ceremonial weigh-ins at Etihad Arena.
Dagestan’s Makhachev, hugely popular in the region already, was clearly enjoying the majority of support from the crowd on Friday, at the same venue that will host one of the year's most highly anticipated cards.
“Abu Dhabi give some noise,” Makhachev called to the fans inside the arena. “We’re going to do this tomorrow, Inshallah.”
The No 4-ranked lightweight contender, who rides a 10-fight win streak including two victories in Abu Dhabi, contests his first championship bout.
Oliveira, meanwhile, is the division’s most recent champion. The Brazilian, who has reeled off 11 consecutive victories, was stripped of the belt when he missed weight before his clash with Justin Gaethje in May. Oliveira went on to defeat Gaethje by first-round submission.
After stepping on the scales on Friday afternoon – he was first out at the official weigh-in that morning - Oliveira declared amid boos from the crowd: ‘The lion waits. It’s still roaring.”
UFC 280 features two title bouts, with bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling defending against former two-time belt-holder TJ Dillashaw. The third-final encounter at Etihad Arena on Saturday night sees fast-rising star Sean O’Malley go up against former bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
UFC 280 represents the promotion’s return to Abu Dhabi for the first time since October last year.
Winners
Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)
Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski
Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea
Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona
Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)
Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)
Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)
Best National Team of the Year: Italy
Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello
Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)
Player Career Award: Ronaldinho
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Oscars in the UAE
The 90th Academy Awards will be aired in the UAE from 3.30am on Monday, March 5 on OSN, with the ceremony starting at 5am
The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
