The UFC Makes a Return to Abu Dhabi for UFC 294
The UFC has just announced that they will return to Abu Dhabi for UFC 294 in the Etihad Arena.
Pre 2020, the UFC had only been to Abu Dhabi three times: for UFC 112: Silva vs. Maia, UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson, and UFC 242: Nurmagomedov vs. Poirier.
Since 2020, the UFC has returned to Abu Dhabi thirteen times. This includes multiple PPVs and closed doors events, as Abu Dhabi became a critical home for the UFC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dana White used Yas Island, an island in the UAE, as a bubble during the pandemic due to the U.S. travel restrictions preventing fighters from entering America. Their latest return saw the crowning moment of Islam Makhachev, who defeated Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 280 to win the Lightweight Championship. The card also saw Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling make the second defense of his title, defeating T.J. Dillashaw via second-round TKO. The card also featured contenders Sean O'Malley and Petr Yan battling it out in a three-round fight of the night. Abu Dhabi has also hosted legendary fighters such as Conor Mcgregor, Michael Chandler, and Israel Adesanya.
Who would you like to see on the Abu Dhabi card? Perhaps the return of Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev? Whoever it may be, as a member of the Verdict Community, let us know in the comments below.
