Dana White and his UFC will return to Abu Dhabi on October 21, just a week prior to Francis Ngannou’s boxing debut against Tyson Fury. Follow UFC News Updates with Insidesport.IN
UFC 294, the PPV will be headlined by the lightweight rematch between champion Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira with Paulo Costa also making his way to the card.
UFC President Dana White announced the card a few hours ago, sending several fans into a frenzy.
Meanwhile, White could have hosted the event anywhere, but he chose to do it in the Middle East where Islam Makhachev originally won the lightweight strap.
Makhachev clearly has a huge fanbase in Abu Dhabi and we could also see Khabib Nurmagomedov appear in the event. However, there are several more reasons for hosting the bout in the Middle East.
Referring to UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, Dana White said, “It’s also the fifth edition of the Abu Dhabi showdown week. UFC will take over the city with parties, meet and greets, fan events, leading up to UFC 294.”
“I love Abu Dhabi. They have the best restraunts, best shopping, unbelievable service. You literally couldn’t ask for a better destination for a fight.”
Middle East came as a shelter for the UFC when Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the world in 2-19-2020. Dana White secured the Yas Island and kept hosting his UFC event amidst sheer medical protocols.
It inspired several people, including former US President Donald Trump, to operate during a pandemic. While the world came back to normalcy, Dana White didn’t let go of the Middle East events.
Meanwhile, hosting the rematch between Makhachev and Oliveira at Abu Dhabi also makes sense for both contenders and the MMA fanbase.
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Dana White is looking for a blockbuster UFC 294
Islam Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira in front of a huge star-studded crowd at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. He is currently on a 12-fight win streak and looks dominant as the new lightweight champion.
That said, Charles Oliveira has won 12 of his last 13 fight and shall look for vengeance against Islam Makhachev. Both contenders have a lot to prove.
With Islam Makhachev holding the current 155 lbs belt, it remains to be seen whether Charles Oliveira can become a champion again.
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