There’s been no shortage of debate and discussion about where and if ‘Fight Island’ would indeed happen. But now the UFC’s announced four cards are going to be held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
The first event will take place on July 11th, and it will be UFC 251.
Three title fights announced for UFC 251
On Tuesday, the UFC announced that UFC 251 will be one of four events that will take place on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, in the United Arab of Emirates.
After the July 11th event, cards will also be held on the island July 15th, 18th and 25th.
A follow-up report from ESPN regarding the upcoming cards, included this information about the set-up.
The designated area of Yas Island that will make up Fight Island includes an arena, hotel, training facilities and dining establishments, per the UFC. It will also include a “safety zone” of 10 square miles in which the only people permitted will be athletes, coaches, UFC staff and limited personnel.
UFC 251 will be headlined by a bout between welterweight champ Kamaru Usman and surging contender, Gilbert Burns. In light of Jorge Masvidal’s ongoing, contractual dispute with the UFC, it’s not surprising to hear that Burns is getting the nod here.
In addition, the card will see Max Holloway try to avenge his decision loss to featherweight champ, Alexander Volkanovski, and Jose Aldo and Petr Yan battle for the vacant, bantamweight title.
Line-up to date for UFC 251
Here is the line-up to date for UFC 251 (via MMA Junkie). It’s a pretty stacked card, which historically has been the case, for the UFC’s July pay-per-view.
Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway
Jose Aldo vs. Petr Yan
Amanda Ribas vs. Paige VanZant
Frankie Edgar vs. Pedro Munhoz
Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Ciryl Gane
Volkan Oezdemir vs. Jiri Prochazka
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