NFL
(#1) MAX HOLLOWAY vs. (#6) CALVIN KATTAR
By: Julio Olmo
UFC® kicks off its third run on UFC FIGHT ISLAND with two pivotal main event clashes guaranteed to deliver action.
First, two of the best featherweights on the planet face-off, as a former champion and No. 1 ranked contender Max Holloway looks to earn another shot at the title by taking out No. 6 Calvin Kattar.
A limited number of fans will be in attendance for the UFC’s first three live events of 2021 — marking the first time UFC events will be open to any spectators since UFC 248 on March 7 in Las Vegas.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism discussed permitting spectators during the UFC’s last trip to Fight Island on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in September and October, but were unable to solidify plans at that time.
The UFC has events scheduled in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 16, Jan. 20, and Jan. 23, culminating with UFC 257 featuring Conor McGregor against Dustin Poirier.
This is the third trip the UFC has taken to Abu Dhabi since July.
The promotion held five events there in September and October.
All previous events were held inside the Flash Forum, however, the next three will move to the more spacious Etihad Arena.
Tickets to the events are already sold out on the Etihad Arena website.
The UFC said the capacity for the events will be 2,000. The Etihad Arena can fit up to 18,000.
UFC president Dana White said in a released statement that he was very excited to start the year with straight weeks of fights, following highly successful previous fight nights.
Abu Dhabi repeatedly demonstrated its ability to host major international events in a safe and secure environment last year.
Your #UFCFightIsland triple header is eight days away 🏝
[ #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/3Nk893TZQl
— UFC (@ufc) January 8, 2021
UFC FIGHT ISLAND is on Yas Island, one of the Emirates most popular leisure, shopping, and entertainment destinations, and the location of the first edition of UFC FIGHT ISLAND was this past July.
For the first time ever, the main cards will also be televised live on ABC and simulcast on ESPN.
