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[mattc25]

http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/...sp?a=10592&z=2






[/QUOTE]The Ultimate Fighting Championship will hold UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi... done deal.

That’s the word from Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole, who confirmed the event with UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta.

Despite confirming the sale of a 10-percent stake in the promotion to Flash Entertainment, a company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi government, UFC officials weren’t quite sure if a venue could be put together fast enough for a proposed April 10 date in Abu Dhabi.

A new venue will be built for future UFC events, but UFC 112 will be held in the outdoor Concert Arena at Ferrari World on Yas Island.

“This is one of the biggest and most significant nights in the history of the UFC,” company president Dana White told Yahoo! Sports. “UFC 112 is our first ever outdoor event and it is taking place in the hometown of our brand new partners, Flash Entertainment.”

As expected, two title bouts will head the event. Anderson Silva will defend his middleweight strap against Vitor Belfort and UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn will fight Frankie Edgar.

The card will also feature Renzo Gracie making his UFC debut against former welterweight titleholder Matt Hughes.

Abu Dhabi has long been a strong supporter of mixed martial arts, and has a particular interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Members of the royal family have trained extensively with Renzo and other members of the Gracie family over the years.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has been a strong backer of the Art of War mixed martial arts promotion in China, a market the UFC has been working hard to crack. Sheikh Mohammed is believed to be one of the key players orchestrating the deal with the UFC, bringing the event to Abu Dhabi.[/QUOTE]

[mattc25]

.....this venue is quite futuristic. Fucking sick looking imo. I would love to get a good look at the inside.

[Perseus]

Originally Posted by mattc25

.....this venue is quite futuristic. Fucking sick looking imo. I would love to get a good look at the inside.

Wow yeah that is one crazy ass looking arena. Gotta love people with cash doing some cool stuff with it instead of just stuffing it in the mattress. I think this could help with the New York legalization. Seeing how truly epic this thing can be might get it into peoples heads that Madison Square garden could really be done.

[KevoOnTheRadio]

So.....weird looking. Its like the bastard offspring of the tennis courts at Wimbledon and a Ferrari. Or the Ferrari pulled out and skeeted all over the tennis court's back.

[TBEAR]

very nice fight card though... you get 2 titles plus hughes and gracie

[Trojan Fight Club]

Sick looking arena, can't wait for the fights

[Daellusx]

Damn this is exciting!
I wonder how it's going to be fighting in an outside venue for the fighters? How hot will it be out there and how much will that effect their performance?

There is no liquor allowed in Abu Dhabi or am i thinking of another country? Wonder who will be the sponsor if Bud Light isnt allowed?

Are there going to be octagon girls present?

Wonder how the crowd will be? Are they going to be like the UK/USA crowds or more quiet like the japanese crowds?

What is the time difference between the USA and Abu Dhabi? Hope i dont have to stay up till 4am to catch the even live.

So pumped to see this event. If it's successfull then Dana will be one step closer to making MMA as popular as soccer. Jesus I cant believe it may actually happen lol. Hate em or love em you gotta respect the path that the UFC is paving for every other MMA org out there.

[LethalStriker]

In Arab countries women always have to keep covered up, does that mean no octagon girls for this event?

[KevoOnTheRadio]

Trust me, money rules this deal. If the Iron Shiek decides he doesn't want ring girls, there will be none. If he doesn't like Bud light, you will not see so much as a bottle cap show up on camera.

[willpunisher]

damn is that arena with the ferrari symbol real?