On Sunday, the UFC serves up a truly formidable card, with three title fights and a host of other intriguing bouts taking place at UFC 259. Here are four very valid reasons to tune into the Las Vegas event.
Israel Adesanya eyes “champ champ” status
Only four fighters have done it: hold two UFC belts simultaneously. Already the middleweight champion, Adesanya looks to join Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo on a pretty lofty list.
The unbeaten Nigeria-born New Zealander, who last fought in September in Abu Dhabi when he inflicted Paulo Costa’s first professional defeat, is 20-0.
However, instead of seeking to consolidate his superiority in that division, Adesanya has jumped up immediately to try to claim another crown. The sturdy Jan Blachowicz stands in his way, another to prevail in the UAE capital last year, when he knocked out Dominick Reyes to secure the vacant light-heavyweight title. Intriguingly, Adesanya begins as heavy favourite, although can the UFC’s next transcendent superstar handle the Polish power should it land?
New mother Nunes adding to “Goat” legacy
On the surface at least, this looks a straightforward victory for Nunes. The Brazilian is comfortably the UFC’s greatest female athlete of all time, a current two-division champion who rides an 11-fight win streak. In Megan Anderson, Nunes defends her featherweight title against a fighter with two defeats in her past five outings, albeit the Australian has most recently reeled off two first-rounds wins.
More broadly, the division is in danger of fading out, with only five fighters on its roster. However, this represents Nunes’ first bout since becoming a mother in September, which adds an altogether different layer of intrigue to the contest. Has parenthood mellowed Nunes in any way? How has it impacted her preparations and, subsequently, will it her performance? Anderson will need any chinks in the armour whatsoever to pull off a hefty shock.
Aljamain Sterling making up for lost time
This was the title fight everyone expected in July. Henry Cejudo had retired two months previously, with Petr Yan and Sterling at the front of the queue for the vacant bantamweight belt. Yet the UFC instead booked Yan against Jose Aldo, that despite the Brazilian’s two defeats at bantamweight.
Yan duly obliged, triumphing in style at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi. Finally, though, Sterling gets his title shot, and the highly skilled American coming into the tussle on a five-fight win streak – including June’s stunning first-round victory against Cory Sandhagen. Sterling is a joy to watch, exciting and explosive. In Yan, he faces a guy unbeaten in 10 fights and five years. His pro record stands at 15-1. Champion against No 1-ranked contender: a thrillingly competitive clash is anticipated.
Islam Makhachev focuses on lightweight
It’s hard to believe Makachev hasn’t fought since September 2019, when he defeated Davi Ramos at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi. The Russian, who trains alongside lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, was supposed to compete three times since, but each bout fell through. It seems, though, that absence has only exacerbated the clamour to see Makachev return to action. He has lost once in 19 pro bouts, winning his past six. He has been talked up - as you would expect - by his respected coach Javier Mendez, who tips Makachev to become the next lightweight champion. With Nurmagomedov expected to stay retired and vacate, there’s a lot of contenders ahead in the pecking order. Yet shine against Drew Dober on Sunday, and the climb towards gold will accelerate.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
Leaderboard
15 under: Paul Casey (ENG)
-14: Robert MacIntyre (SCO)
-13 Brandon Stone (SA)
-10 Laurie Canter (ENG) , Sergio Garcia (ESP)
-9 Kalle Samooja (FIN)
-8 Thomas Detry (BEL), Justin Harding (SA), Justin Rose (ENG)
UAE v IRELAND
All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi
1st ODI, Friday, January 8
2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10
3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12
4th ODI, Thursday, January 14
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
End of free parking
- paid-for parking will be rolled across Abu Dhabi island on August 18
- drivers will have three working weeks leeway before fines are issued
- areas that are currently free to park - around Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqta Bridge, Mussaffah Bridge and the Corniche - will now require a ticket
- villa residents will need a permit to park outside their home. One vehicle is Dh800 and a second is Dh1,200.
- The penalty for failing to pay for a ticket after 10 minutes will be Dh200
- Parking on a patch of sand will incur a fine of Dh300
Results
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m; Winner: Mcmanaman, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
6.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Bawaasil, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Dirt) 1,400m; Winner: Bochart, Fabrice Veron, Satish Seemar
7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Mutaraffa, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
7.50pm: Longines Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,00 (D) 1,900m; Winner: Rare Ninja, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.25pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Alfareeq, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
9pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Good Tidings, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Zorion, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi
SPECS
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How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
UAE Premiership
Results
Dubai Exiles 24-28 Jebel Ali Dragons
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 43-27 Dubai Hurricanes
Final
Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Jebel Ali Dragons, Friday, March 29, 5pm at The Sevens, Dubai
Profile of Tarabut Gateway
Founder: Abdulla Almoayed
Based: UAE
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 35
Sector: FinTech
Raised: $13 million
Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
((Disclaimer))
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Match info
Liverpool 4
Salah (19'), Mane (45 2', 53'), Sturridge (87')
West Ham United 0
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
