The first mixed martial arts establishment worldwide, (UFC), and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi announced the organization of the series "Al Nazzal Island" matches, expected on Yas Island, the international entertainment destination for the capital, Abu Dhabi. The series of events organized by the (UFC) includes four games, including the paid match (UFC 251), which will be the first on July 11, and then three games under the title "fighting nights" on 15, 18 and 25 July.
The Foundation said in a press statement that details of the matches and the participating fighters will be announced in the coming weeks. In compliance with the global health guidelines, the Department of Culture and Tourism has established a 25-km-safe zone on Yas Island, which contains a battlefield, a hotel, training facilities, and a number of restaurants that are allowed entry exclusively for athletes, coaches, and UFC employees, in addition to some Yas Island workers who maintain and operate facilities in the area.
Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: In its second year, our partnership with UFC has proven to be one of the most successful investments we have made recently. We are proud that Abu Dhabi will be the first to host the "Al Nazzal Island" event, and the first to celebrate the return of the UFC sport to the world stage, thanks to the efforts and cooperation of our partners in UFC.
He added: We have worked with the relevant authorities in the Abu Dhabi government to ensure the safety of athletes, coaches, (UFC) employees, and the Abu Dhabi community by following the highest health and safety standards in planning this event. During this year, Abu Dhabi was able to demonstrate its ability to face all challenges and ensure the safety of its residents and visitors, and we seek through this event to highlight the best of our capital as we look to receive the world in the emirate soon.
In turn, the president of mixed martial arts company Dana White said: We came up with the idea of running a series of matches "Island of the Battle" on Yas Island because we needed a destination that could host such international events in light of the current stage the world is going through. Abu Dhabi has been a pioneer in hosting UFC matches during the past ten years, and therefore it is undoubtedly the ideal destination for holding such events, especially in terms of infrastructure that is specially created for this event and that will be the opportunity of a lifetime for all athletes and fighters, starting from the track and training facility. Private, up to the octagonal space on the island (octagon). I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience, and I cannot wait to offer amazing matches directly from Yas Island.
"Al-Nazzal Island" matches will be shown live worldwide, and on paid channels in selected markets. The events of the UFC are shown in 175 countries around the world in 40 different languages, and the number of viewers reaches nearly one billion viewers.
It is noteworthy that Abu Dhabi hosted a number of UFC fights in 2010 and 2014, including the first foreign match for (UFC 112®: INVINCIBLE) in April 2010, and UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: NOGUEIRA vs. NELSON in April 2014.