The UFC is heading back to “Fight Island,” only this time it’s planning a longer stay.
The promotion is eying a five-to-six-week run on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UFC president Dana White revealed at the DWCS 28 post-fight news conference Tuesday.
“I told you guys we were going back to Abu Dhabi,” White told MMA Junkie, when asked if the expected Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa clash could end up on ‘Fight Island.’ “I think this next run in Abu Dhabi will be five or six weeks.”
White did not confirm nor deny the next UFC middleweight title fight happening on “Fight Island,” – despite recent comments he made in a recent interview with Complex. He also would not specify a start date for their second run at Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi.
“I do (know the timeline for the UFC’s return), but when the time comes I’ll announce it,” White said.
The UFC made it’s “Fight Island” debut at UFC 251 in July. The event was the first of four cards held in 15 days on the same grounds. During his stint in Abu Dhabi, White had hinted at a September-October timeline. However, the promotion requested and has secured licensure from the Nevada Athletic Commission to hold shows for every Saturday in September at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
DWCS 28 took place Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The even simulcasted on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.
Check out White’s entire post-fight news conference in the video above.