UFC’s ‘Fight Island’ revealed in Abu Dhabi; site to host four shows

The UFC’s mysterious “Fight Island” is actually Yas Island, a popular tourist destination in Abu Dhabi where the mixed martial arts promotion will hold four shows in July. The UFC revealed the location Tuesday and announced a series of fan-free shows there, starting with a card tentatively featuring three title fights at UFC 251 on July 11.

UFC President Dana White made headlines at the start of the coronavirus pandemic when he announced plans to stage fights on an unnamed private island where the promotion wouldn’t face travel restrictions for fighters living outside the U.S. While his description conjured images of an exotic setting with an octagon lapped by waves amid palm trees on an isolated beach, White instead was taking the UFC back to ultramodern Abu Dhabi. The UFC has staged fight cards on the leisure island in the United Arab Emirates.

The pay-per-view UFC 251 is expected to be headlined by U.S. welterweight Kamaru Usman’s title defense vs. Brazil’s Gilbert Burns. Australian featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski is set for a rematch with ex-champ Max Holloway, and José Aldo is expected to fight Russia’s Petr Yan for the vacant bantamweight belt. UFC 251 also will feature a rematch between ex-strawweight champs Rose Namajunas and Jessica Andrade.

The UFC will hold subsequent shows on Yas Island on July 15, July 18 and July 25. Only people directly involved with the fights will be allowed inside the area. The UFC staged three shows in Florida last month and has since staged two shows in Las Vegas, with three more cards scheduled this month.