The UFC has confirmed the location of its next four events. The mysterious ‘fight island’ will actually be a venue in Abu Dhabi which has hosted cards several times in the past.
The promotion confirmed on Twitter earlier that Yas Island would be the location:
It’s official! #UFCFightIsland is happening #InAbuDhabi! 🏝
July 11 / July 15 / July 18 / July 25 @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/IbcK63QBmq
— UFC (@ufc) June 9, 2020
Most countries have either closed their borders or introduced compulsory quarantine to reduce the spread of coronavirus, or Covid-19. No-one is currently allowed in or out of Abu Dhabi, but this ban is set to expire on June 16th.
In the US, where the majority of UFC fighters are based, there have been over 2 million infections and 114,000 deaths. Meanwhile Brazil, another country where a lot of fighters on the roster live, has had 742,000 cases and nearly 39,000 deaths.
Among the bouts confirmed for UFC 250 on July 11th are a featherweight title rematch between Max Holloway and Alex Volkanovski, a bantamweight title bout between Petr Yan and Jose Aldo and a welterweight title fight featuring Kamara Usman and Gilbert Burns.
Thailand is currently only allowing outward bound repatriation flights. So Yan, who is based in Phuket, would need to return to Russia before flying to the UAE.
Australia currently has a ban on all overseas travel. So Volkanovski would need to be granted an exception in order to leave the country and compete.
Flying in fighters from all over the world to compete on cards in Abu Dhabi will be extremely complicated. But Dana White seems confident he can get it done and the next four UFC events will all be in Asia.
UFC 251, Abu Dhabi, July 11th
Alex Volkanovski (c) vs. Max Holloway (For Featherweight Title)
Kamara Usman (c) vs. Gilbert Burns (For Welterweight Title)
Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo (For Vacant Bantamweight Title)
