Makhachev predicts routine third-round win against Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi

Islam Makhachev has provided a quick rundown of how he’s going to defeat Charles Oliveira and become UFC champion in Abu Dhabi next month – and he believes he needs only three rounds to get the job done.

The Dagestani, who rides a 10-fight win streak, meets Oliveira in the headline bout at UFC 280 at Etihad Arena on October 22, when the pair battle for the vacant lightweight crown.

Oliveira, winner of his past 11 UFC bouts, is the division’s most recent champion but had to vacate the belt in May when he missed weight before his slated defence against Justin Gaethje.

The Brazilian, 32, sits still at the top of the lightweight rankings, with Makhachev, 30, at No 4. That said, Makhachev is viewed by many as favourite going into his first title fight in Abu Dhabi — he has competed twice already in the capital — something that appears to sit quite comfortably with him.

On Wednesday night, Makhachev’s Twitter account responded to a promo for UFC 280 with: “First round warm-up, second round drag him to deep water, third round get business done, Inshallah. Can’t wait for Oct 22.”

Oliveira-Makhachev is one of two title fights at UFC 280, with bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling taking on former belt-holder TJ Dillashaw. The card, which thus far has 10 fights officially announced by the UFC, also features a clash between standout bantamweights Petr Yan and Sean O’ Malley.

UFC 280, the promotion’s return to the emirate for the first time since last October, is part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.

Charles Oliveira celebrates his victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 262 on May 15, 2021 in Houston, Texas. USA Today
UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira leaves the octagon. Reuters
Michael Chandler, left, grapples with Charles Oliveira. USA Today
Charles Oliveira of Brazil. Zuffa LLC
Charles Oliveira celebrates defeating Michael Chandler to win the UFC lightweight title on May 15, 2021 in Houston, Texas. AFP
UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is seen before the Dustin Poirier's victory over Conor McGregor in Las Vegas. AFP

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Bundesliga fixtures

Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)

Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)

RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)

Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)

Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)

Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)

Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)

Sunday, May 17

Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),

Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)

Monday, May 18

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)

Film: In Syria
Dir: Philippe Van Leeuw
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bo Abboud, Mohsen Abbas and Juliette Navis
Verdict: Four stars

Scores in brief:

Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).

On Women's Day

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Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

While you're here

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Hussein Ibish: Reasons for both Democrats and Republicans to be happy

Rashmee Roshan Lall: Who are the women behind Biden's success?

Gavin Esler: Uncle Sam, here is the world really needs you

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

RACECARD

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m