Abu Dhabi's UFC Legacy: Five Unforgettable Title Fights That Defined Fight Island

Abu Dhabi is set to host another thrilling UFC event this Saturday, October 24, featuring two championship bouts. Headlining the card is featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who will defend his title against the highly-ranked Movsar Evloev. In the co-main event, Petr Yan will put his bantamweight belt on the line against Merab Dvalishvili, the fighter he defeated last December. The UAE capital boasts a rich history of memorable title fights, and we look back at five of the most significant.

1. Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa, UFC 253

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, Abu Dhabi's Yas Island emerged as 'Fight Island,' providing a crucial hub for the UFC to continue its events. Strict health protocols were in place, including extended isolation periods for journalists. Despite limited crowds, the unique atmosphere amplified every sound, making the action in the specially constructed venue even more intense. UFC 253 showcased Israel Adesanya at the height of his abilities. Defending his undefeated record and middleweight title against a heavily-built Paulo Costa, Adesanya delivered a striking masterclass. He systematically dismantled Costa, culminating in a second-round TKO that solidified his status as a dominant middleweight force.

2. Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier, UFC 242

While Fight Island was characterized by its quiet intensity, UFC 242 resonated with thunderous roars, largely thanks to the presence of Khabib Nurmagomedov. The event, held at the purpose-built 'The Arena' on Yas Island, drew over 13,000 spectators, many donning Khabib's signature 'papakha' hat. In 2019, Nurmagomedov was in formidable form, defending his UFC lightweight title against interim champion Dustin Poirier. From the outset, Nurmagomedov controlled the fight, utilizing his wrestling to take Poirier down and inflict damage. The fight concluded in the third round when Poirier was forced to submit to a rear-naked choke. Nurmagomedov's victory was marked by a jubilant embrace with UFC president Dana White, a stark contrast to previous post-fight incidents.

3. Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 2, UFC 251

Alexander 'The Great' has a significant history with Abu Dhabi, with UFC 251 marking his fourth appearance in the city. Volkanovski had previously ended Max Holloway's featherweight reign in December 2019 via unanimous decision. He granted Holloway an immediate rematch, seeking to further legitimize his claim to the 145lb division's throne. The rematch at UFC 251 was an intense back-and-forth battle. Holloway started strong with dynamic striking, but Volkanovski demonstrated resilience, gradually taking control of the fight. Despite Holloway winning the early rounds, Volkanovski rallied, leading to a closely contested final round. The judges ultimately awarded Volkanovski a split decision victory, a result that remains contentious for Holloway.

4. Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev, UFC 280

Charles Oliveira arrived at UFC 280 as the widely recognized, albeit unofficial, lightweight champion, having been stripped of his belt prior to UFC 274 due to a fractional weight miss. The bout against Islam Makhachev was for the vacant lightweight title. Oliveira, a record-holder for most submission wins and finishes in the UFC, faced Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov's protégé, who had an impressive 23-1 record. The highly anticipated clash between the division's top contenders saw Makhachev dominate early with his superior grappling. In the second round, Makhachev secured a victory via armbar, forcing Oliveira to tap.

5. Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira, UFC 267

At UFC 267, Glover Teixeira, at 42 years old, finally earned a second chance at UFC gold, facing light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. After years of visa issues prevented him from fighting in the US, Teixeira was given an opportunity seven years after his first title bid against Jon Jones. Despite Blachowicz being the younger favorite with his renowned 'Polish power,' Teixeira employed a successful grappling strategy. He secured a first-round takedown and, in the second round, staggered Blachowicz before executing another takedown and locking in a rear-naked choke for the submission victory. Teixeira's win made him the oldest first-time UFC champion and the third fighter to win a world title in his forties.