White plans swift Abu Dhabi return to seal ‘game-changer’ deal

Dana White says he hopes to return to Abu Dhabi in the very near future to complete the deal with the emirate that he described as a “total game-changer for all of combat sports”.

The UFC president had been teasing major plans for the capital for two weeks, even as the world’s lead mixed martial arts promotion was preparing to stage its latest installment, UFC 267, at Etihad Arena.

White told The National on the eve of the fight on Friday that he envisaged conclusive meetings with local entities before the event. Speaking in the early hours yesterday, White said the talks “went really well” but added: “Unfortunately we’re not ready to announce anything yet. Believe me, it’s killing me. Looks like I’m probably going to have to do another trip out here in a couple weeks and button this thing up.”

White was presented with a UAE golden visa on Friday by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The American said it had been discussed in the past, but “did not see it coming yesterday”.

When asked how impressed he was with the atmosphere at Etihad Arena – the official attendance was 10,171 – White said: “I love coming here. I love this place. I now have a UAE golden visa, so I’m going to love it even more. It was awesome, man. I love it.”

White said the returning Khamzat Chimaev represented the undoubted star of Saturday’s event. The Chechen-born Swede returned to the octagon after 13 months with a statement victory against Li Jingliang. A protracted battle with Covid-19 had kept Chimaev from competing.

He began the bout by scooping Li off the canvas and carrying him towards White while shouting at the UFC president, before finishing his Chinese rival with a rear-naked choke.

“He was yelling crazy [expletive] at me the whole fight,” White said. “I don’t know why. But he was basically just saying, ‘I’m going to fight everybody. I’ll fight [long-retired former champion] Brock Lesnar. I don’t care who it is.’”

Chimaev, 27, landed 25 strikes on Li, meaning he has now outstruck his four UFC opponents by a total of 254-2. He is 10-0 in professional mixed martial arts, with all 10 coming via finishes.