Dana White on why Abu Dhabi is ‘a very special place’ for UFC as Usman Nurmagomedov waits in wings

Dana White, the UFC president, has repeatedly visited Abu Dhabi over the past two decades and considers it a highly significant destination for the organization. Speaking to The National, White emphasized that Abu Dhabi remains one of the most important places on the UFC's global calendar. He expressed his enthusiasm for hosting events in the emirate, noting that the organization always strives to deliver memorable experiences there.

The UFC's connection with Abu Dhabi began in 2009, and the Fight Island series during the Covid-19 pandemic played a crucial role in solidifying the city's place in UFC history. White fondly remembers Fight Island, describing it as a special time when the organization had a blast despite the challenging circumstances. The current card for UFC 333 features a strong lineup with two title fights, and the Etihad Arena is sold out.

To accommodate a young Emirati fan who offered to shave White's head for tickets, the UFC president graciously provided the tickets free of charge. White believes that Abu Dhabi's appeal extends beyond the fights themselves, attributing it to the city's hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. During the pandemic, the UFC experienced a 77% growth in business, with Abu Dhabi playing a crucial role in keeping mixed martial arts alive.

This experience helped forge a lasting connection between the UFC, its fighters, and the UAE capital. The relationship between the UFC and Abu Dhabi has withstood adversity, most notably during UFC 321 in July last year, when a no-contest ended a disappointing main event. Despite the setback, White assured fans that the organization would deliver a memorable event to make up for the disappointing outcome.