UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov could make his return to the sport in Abu Dhabi.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has signed a deal to bring UFC events to the capital over the next five years.
The events, being shown around the world on a pay-per-view basis, will include at least one title fight and this year UFC 242 will take place on Yas Island on September 7.
Russian fighter Nurmagomedov was banned from the UFC until July after a brawl involving his team and Connor McGregor last year.
The Irish fighter lost his title but he will be eligible to return in the second half of the year.
Khabib’s friends and teammates, who received one-year bans for their part in the post-fight brawl last year, have had their bans shortened by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
Khabib previously stated that he would not fight again until all the bans had been lifted, meaning the first possible return date for a main event fight would be in September in Abu Dhabi.
UFC announced that the card for the event would be headlined by one championship fight so it looks like a return for the Russian.
One confirmed participant for the event is Lebanese German fighter Khalid Taha, who announced on Instagram that he will take part in Abu Dhabi this year.
UFC 242, is the latest UFC event to be held in the city since 2010 and 2014.
Ticket details will be released at a later date, so watch this space for more updates.
You can also find out more by visiting www.ufc.com/abu-dhabi.
