UFC Reveals Location Of ‘Fight Island’

Photo by Leisa Tyler/LightRocket via Getty Images

After several weeks of speculation, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today revealed the much-ballyhooed “Fight Island” to be Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion will host four combat sports events for the month of July.

Sorry to all those fans hoping for LOST or some other mysterious location.

“We came up with the idea of having fights on ‘Fight Island’ because we needed a destination to hold international events during the global pandemic,” UFC President Dana White said. “Abu Dhabi has been an amazing location to hold fights over the past ten years and it is the perfect place for these events. The infrastructure we are building will be such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the fighters that’s never been done before – from the arena, the private training facility, and the Octagon on the island – it’s going to be an experience that none of us will ever forget. I can’t wait to deliver amazing fights from Yas island.”

The promotion will stage a total of four live events, starting with the UFC 251 pay-per-view (PPV) extravaganza on Sat., July 11, followed by successive ESPN/ESPN+ “Fight Night” cards on Weds., July 15; Sat., July 18; and Sat., July 25.

“We have worked closely with all government entities in Abu Dhabi to ensure that the staging of this historic event complies with the highest standards of safety for the athletes, coaches, and all UFC personnel as well as the safety of our community,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. “This year, Abu Dhabi has successfully proven its ability to handle all challenges and promote the well-being of its visitors and residents; and today, we are here to showcase the best that our capital has to offer, as we look forward to opening our doors once again to the world.”

Stay tuned for “Fight Island” fight card announcements in the coming weeks, if not days.