UFC President Dana White has vowed Abu Dhabi will see some huge fights in the future – with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s name rarely from the lips of those in the Middle East.
Ahead of the hugely-anticipated UFC 249 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, White told UFC Arabia that the winner of tonight’s headline interim lightweight title fight between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje will likely face UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in a unification bout – a matchup that could be staged in
“I don’t know what the landscape is going to look like when Khabib’s ready to fight. I don’t know who
is going to win this Saturday that will face Khabib next. We will have to see how this thing plays out. It
“We are going to just keep putting on massive fights in Abu Dhabi and keep educating the world on
what an incredible destination for fights it is. For people from America, Australia, the UK, or wherever
it might be, being a fight fan, you have to check out a fight in Abu Dhabi at some point. Get there,
take in the culture, stay in the gorgeous hotels, eat in the unbelievable restaurants, it is truly a great
destination for fights.
“We have a five-year deal with Abu Dhabi for fights in the Middle East. I have an incredible
relationship with Abu Dhabi. Any opportunity that I can get to do an event in Abu Dhabi, I will be there. It is a very well-educated market, fans love the sport, they get the sport, they support the sport.”
First and foremost, however, the global sporting spotlight will fall on UFC 249 and White has
promised fans are in for a massive treat.
“The thing to watch for most is the main event. If you cannot make Ferguson vs Khabib, the fight you
make is Ferguson vs Gaethje. I absolutely, positively guarantee you the main event is going to be
ridiculous. I promise,” he said.
“Cejudo vs Dominick Cruz; Ngannou vs Rozenstruik is a ridiculous heavyweight matchup. Jeremy
Stephens and Calvin Kattar is just incredible. I mean I can just keep going. This is one of the best
cards we have ever put together. And I guarantee you that the main event will blow your mind.”
Catch UFC 249: FERGUSON vs. GAETHJE from 2.30am UAE time on Sunday October 10 exclusively on the UFC Arabia app.
