Yahoo Lifestyle Report: UFC returning to Fight Island for UFC 253 and 254
The UFC is reportedly heading back to Abu Dhabi.
The promotion is planning to stage five events at the city’s Yas Island, better known as “Fight Island,” in the coming months, according to ESPN. That will reportedly include UFC 253 on Sept. 26 and UFC 254 on Oct. 24.
A middleweight title fight between champion Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa will be the main event of UFC 253, while lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje will fight at UFC 254.
Fight Island was a success for UFC
UFC had previously used Fight Island for four events in July, and it’s not hard to see why it’s going back. With global travel still limited, Fight Island served as a hub for bouts between international fighters in a relatively safe environment. Fighters and trainers were all tested and quarantined as they entered the bubble.
Dana White has spoken glowingly of the facilities, and his move to secure a private island for fights also captured widespread headlines for UFC at the time (as well some mockery and disbelief). There aren’t so many snickers now, as UFC moves ahead with Fight Island as a signature part of its plans in the near future.
More from Yahoo Sports:
