Dana White Declares Abu Dhabi a 'Special Place' for UFC as Usman Nurmagomedov Looms

UFC President Dana White has long held a deep affinity for Abu Dhabi, visiting the emirate for nearly two decades with his enthusiasm undiminished. As UFC 333 returns to the Etihad Arena this Saturday, White emphasized Abu Dhabi's standing as a crucial destination on the UFC's global circuit. "Abu Dhabi is a very special place to us," White stated to The National. "We always try to deliver here." The UFC's connection with Abu Dhabi began in 2009, and the groundbreaking Fight Island series during the COVID-19 pandemic further solidified its historical significance for the organization. White reminisces about that period with particular warmth: "Fight Island was really special for us. We had a blast over here during probably the scariest time in human history. It was incredible. It was a great experience, and there’s always going to be a special place in our hearts here at the UFC for Abu Dhabi." The upcoming UFC 333 boasts a packed card with two title fights, promising excitement for fans. The Etihad Arena is sold out, though White did manage to secure a few extra tickets for a young Emirati fan at Thursday's press conference who had offered to shave his head in exchange. White generously provided the tickets for free, allowing the fan to attend the event and keep his hair. White highlighted that Abu Dhabi's appeal extends beyond the fights themselves, noting the importance of the destination's amenities: "The thing about putting on events, fights, concerts, whatever it may be, it’s about destinations – the hotels, the restaurants, all the other things to do here, and then the fight." The UFC's business experienced significant growth during the pandemic, with Abu Dhabi playing a pivotal role in sustaining mixed martial arts while other sports were halted. "Our business grew like 77 per cent during Covid," White remarked. "Fans from all over the world were watching what was going on here in Abu Dhabi." He believes this experience forged a lasting bond between the UFC and the UAE capital. "It was a special time," he said. This marks the second return to Abu Dhabi since the Iran war began, following UFC Fight Night in July. The UFC's relationship with Abu Dhabi, marked by staging events during the pandemic and overcoming adversity, is one White described as reciprocal: "Relationships are based on how do you react when bad things happen? And Abu Dhabi’s been very good to us, and we reciprocate." Despite a disappointing no-contest in the main event of the last numbered event in Abu Dhabi 12 months prior, where Tom Aspinall was unable to continue after an eye poke from Ciryl Gane, White dismissed the notion that the UFC owes the emirate a make-up event. "I don’t know if UFC ‘owes us one’. I mean, this is a contact sport. Anything is possible. These things happen," he stated. "But, you know, Abu Dhabi is a very special place to us. We always try to deliver here." Regarding Aspinall's injury, White confirmed his staff were in contact with the fighter and his team but offered no update on his return. Gane was subsequently promoted to full champion, a rare occurrence, due to Aspinall's extended recovery period. Gane is set to defend his title against Josh Hokit. Speculation is mounting about Usman Nurmagomedov potentially joining the UFC, as his contract with the PFL is nearing its end. He is currently in a 90-day exclusive negotiating period with the PFL. A move to the UFC has been long anticipated, given his brother Umar already competes there and his cousin Khabib is a legendary figure in the sport. White expressed interest: "Well, contractually, I don't know where he's at right now, but obviously, when he's a free agent, and he's able to talk to us, we're interested." The UFC also permits its fighters to participate in other disciplines, such as wrestling, with Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan scheduled for an upcoming RAF wrestling event in Abu Dhabi. However, White expressed skepticism about the success of MMA fighters crossing over into professional boxing, questioning, "Tell me one good experience where a UFC fighter or an MMA fighter has crossed over into boxing and it’s ended unbelievably well?" White declined to predict outcomes for UFC 333, which features Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan facing Merab Dvalishvili in a bantamweight trilogy. "I never give predictions," White said. "I predict a great fight. That’s what I predict." He anticipates compelling matchups in both title bouts due to the fighters' contrasting styles. "I think that’s the fun of both of those fights: the co-main and the main," he noted. "Merab is going to be shooting for the takedown, and if he doesn’t get him down, it’s going to be a long night. "And I think the same thing goes for Volkanovski. He said yesterday, ‘He [Evloev] thinks he’s going to be able to take me down, but he won’t, and he’s going to have to stand and strike with me’. So both the co-main and main event sort of have the same theme to them." White reiterated his belief in Abu Dhabi's integral role in the UFC's narrative.