Here's what the purpose-built UFC 242 arena in Abu Dhabi will look like...
It’ll have space for more than 13,000 fans…
UFC 242 is set to be one of the most exciting matches in the boxing calendar as Khabib Nurmagomedov returns to the sport after almost nine months – and it’s taking place in Abu Dhabi.
But ahead of the fight, which will take place on September 7, renders have been released of what the purpose-built arena will look like, and they’re seriously impressive. Currently under construction on Yas Island, the super-sized arena will have space for more than 13,000 attendees.
According to The National, the arena will be completed mid-August, ahead of the first fight.
The reigning UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will battle interim champ Dustin Poirier in the title unification bout at the new arena on September 7. Tickets for the fight, which is already being touted as one of the biggest events in UFC history, are sold out on Ticketmaster, although staycation packages are available at a number of Abu Dhabi hotels that include tickets to the fight night.
Packages including tickets start from Dhs1,300 per night at Radisson Blu Yas Island, and Dhs1,950 at the Yas Hotel, where a minimum of two-night stay is required.
The event marks the long-awaited return of Nurmagomedov, who was suspended for instigating the post-fight scuffle that followed his fourth-round submission victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229 in Las Vegas last October. But now Nurmagomedov is back, and ready to put his undisputed world title on the line against Poirier.
Upcoming UFC events
UFC 242 will be the first event in a five-year partnership between UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism that will bring regular UFC events to Abu Dhabi, and the newly built arena, until 2024.
“The demand from our fans to bring UFC back to Abu Dhabi has been overwhelming, and over the next five years, DCT Abu Dhabi will help us deliver some spectacular UFC championship fights to the UAE,” confirmed UFC president Dana White.
Abu Dhabi hosted its first UFC fight, UFC 112 in 2010, and made history as the promotion’s first event held outdoors. UFC returned to Abu Dhabi on April 11, 2014, for UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs Nelson at du Arena.
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