After an initial run of “Fight Island” events in Abu Dhabi, UFC President Dana White expects a title unifier between champ Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champ Justin Gaethje to headline the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates later this year.
White didn’t put a timeline on the fight, though a report from Brazilian MMA website Combate identified Sept. 19 as the date to host the title fight for the pay-per-view UFC 253. The report states the fight is in the works and is not yet confirmed.
The UFC struck a five-year deal with the UAE to promote events before the coronavirus pandemic put a serious crimp in the sports schedule.