GOING OUT: The time has arrived- UFC 39 hits Abu Dhabi

Denzil Pinto 11:08 10/04/2014
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  • Ready to rumble: UFC stars John Howard (left) and Ryan LaFlare will be in action.

    After a four-year gap, the popular mixed martial arts extravaganza that is the UFC finally returns to Abu Dhabi on Friday.

    And with tickets still available, organisers and competitors have urged UAE fans not to miss out on what will be a night to remember.

    A total of nine bouts are on the fight card at the open air du Arena on Yas Island in a city that has been described as the “motherland of grappling”, by headline act Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

    Eighteen top fighters from around the world have descended on the UAE, with the heavyweight bout between Brazil’s Nogueira, known as ‘Minotauro’, and the USA’s Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson, the blockbuster main event.

    Nogueira, one of the most dangerous submission fighters, is keen to impress in his challenge against Nelson, who has lost his last two fights.

    “People (in Abu Dhabi) will see the best of Nogueira – I’m hungry to succeed,” said the 37-yearold, also known as ‘Big Nog’, and regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

    “My jiu-jitsu skills are good. I’m more athletic and I will do my best to show the people in Abu Dhabi what I can do.

    “Movement is going to be important to me as Nelson is strong.

    “In fact he’s a very strong guy and it’s going to be a very physical fight and I’m hoping for a perfect finish here in Abu Dhabi.” And it’s not just Nogueira who is excited to compete in the UAE capital. Clay Guida, who takes on Tatsuya Kawajiri in the featherweight category, echoes the Brazilian’s view.

    “It was explosive the last time it was in Abu Dhabi and the fans can expect the same again this time,” said the 32-year-old.

    “The heavyweights, Nogueira and Roy Nelson, are both big hitters with wins over some of the best guys in the world, and myself and Tatsuya Kawajiri have more than 100 fights between us. There will definitely be a big vibe on the night.”

    Since its launch, UFC has grown in popularity with fans witnessing action all around the world.

    The night will certainly be full of drama where scores will be settled, KO punches thrown and honours won. If you’ve never been to a UFC fight before then you will be amazed, according to Garry Cook, the promotion’s executive vice president and managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

    “From the very beginning to the very end of the last fight it will be one good experience,” said Cook.

    “You will really feel you are in the middle of an entertaining experience. More importantly, you are watching the most fundamental primal competition in sport between two individuals in a limited space.

    “It’s intriguing, it’s unexpected, you never know what’s going to happen. I can guarantee you that anybody comes to this event for the very first time will walk away from there and just say ‘wow’. There’s nothing there that should frighten anybody. It can be great family entertainment.”

    While it’s difficult to get close to athletes in most high-profile sporting events, UFC is the opposite.

    The Main Card competitors had their face-offs at the Corniche in the UAE capital on Tuesday and the weigh-ins will also take place at the same venue today (Thursday) at 16:00, with organisers keen to reach out to local fans.

    “We pride ourselves that our athletes are very accessible to the public,” added Cook. “We want the fans to engage with them by taking photographs, them signing autographs and having Q&A sessions. We like to have these public events in high traffic areas and the Corniche in Abu Dhabi is symbolic and iconic in itself. It is in the heart of a city that is embracing us.”

    WHAT: Ultimate Fighting Championship,Fight Night 39
    WHEN: Friday, April 11.
    WHERE: The du Arena, Yas island
    COST: Various tickets from Dh295 to Dh3695. Some will be available on the night, but book early to avoid disappointment.
    AGES: All ages
    CONTACT: www.ticketmaster.ae.
    SPORT 360° VERDICT: Abu Dhabi has a passion for combat sports and this is a spectacular opportunity to see the best in the business.

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