The UFC made waves around the world last year becoming the first major sport to resume activities.
Led by the irrepressible Dana White, the sport pushed forward and continued to deliver jaw dropping event in Las Vegas and in the ‘new fight capital of the world’, our home, Abu Dhabi.
Now, in 2021, new boundaries are being forged once again.
The UFC is back, with massive events, marking the opening of the brand-new Etihad Arena on Yas Bay with spectators in attendance.
Walking up to the glittering gold stadium for the first of three live events there’s a sense of excitement in the air.
Sure, the crowd making their way to the new arena is smaller than it would be if the world wasn’t facing such colossal challenges, but just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, resumption of top level events doesn’t happen overnight.
Security is tight and efficient, no negative test result, no valid ticket and there’s no chance you get anywhere near the entrance to the arena.
After showing your credentials and making your way through the security at the entrance you’re in – standing inside a brand-new venue where you can practically still smell the paint drying.
The arena itself is quite something. Modern, perfectly equipped with plenty of bars and concessions stands, easy to access, exit, find your seats and everything in between.
We’re certain there will be many memorable nights in the coming years, but on opening night it was all about the UFC.
No matter your vantage point, the room is perfect for MMA, the cage sits at the centre and whether you watch the action in the octagon or the massive screens below it’s hard to miss a single blow during the event.
At first the atmosphere is subdued and there’s a collective unfamiliarity among the attendees who aren’t used to being in the company of a few hundred people at one time.
Spectators are spaced out and strict safety measures are in place.
As the prelims start there are moment of silence in the arena.
You can hear a pin drop, or more accurately, fists and feet hitting flesh as battles get underway.
Across the undercard all five fights go the distance and to a decision. The most exciting bout of the warm-up starred Carlos Felipe and Juston Tafa, but the fans, starting the find their voice, expect more action in the octagon.
And they get it.
Fast forward to the main card and fans were treated to an electric start.
Three first round stoppages, in first three fights saw Punahele Soriano, Alessio Di Chirico and Li Jingliang have their hands lifted as the atmosphere build around the arena.
On to the co main and two elder statesmen of the sport put on a decent spectacle, but in truth it felt like we were watching two old pros winding down rather than an exciting co-main to get us out of our seats.
On the judges’ score cards, Carlos Condit earned a win over Matt Brown and across the three rounds there was little doubt that he took the fight.
One of the main highlights of the evening was the ever-chipper an iconic Bruce Buffer, the man with the voice, the most famous announcer in world sport who was in fine form once again.
Announcing the main event, Max Hooloway vs Calvin Kattar, fans were ready for a battle and it delivered.
Kattar shows incredible spirit and character but across five rounds he was systematically taken apart by a rampant Max Hollowoy, the former Featherweight champion, and a lesser fighter wouldn’t have gone the distance.
Ultimately, Kattar showed great heart but was outdone by a superior fighter, a man with an incredible record in MMA who will rightly go on to challenge for the belt, perhaps in a third bout with current champion Alexander Volkanovski.
It’s a fitting event to launch the new arena and a warm welcome back to the UFC on our shores.
Next we have a fight night on Wednesday January 20 between Neil Magny and Michael Chiasa. For an exclusive interview with Magny click here. Then one of the biggest names in world sport, Conor McGregor, makes his UAE debut with fans watching around the world.
We’re looking forward to the next fight already.
Want to watch the action? You can see all the fight and events on UAE Arabia mobile app and the Abu Dhabi Sports channel.
For more information visit and to buy tickets visit www.etihadarena.ae.
UFC Fight Night Jan 20, 6pm, main card from 9pm. UFC 257, Jan 24, doors open 12.30am, main card from 7am. Etihad Arena, Yas Bay, Yas Island www.etihadarena.com.
