The UFC returns to “Fight Island” on Saturday night, as UFC 253 kicks off the company’s next residency in the Middle East.
UFC 253 takes place Saturday at Flash Forum at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Two title fights top the card. The main event is a grudge match, as middleweight championIsrael Adesanya (19-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) defends his belt against. Paulo Costa (13-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC). And a new light heavyweight champ will be crowned, with Jan Blachowicz(26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) vs. Dominick Reyes (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) set to fill the belt vacated by former champion Jon Jones.
The second episode of “Embedded” catches up with the big-name stars at the top of the card as they settle into Abu Dhabi. Here’s the UFC’s description:
Title contender Jan Blachowicz enjoys the pool and the travel, as does Sijara Eubanks. Champ Israel Adesanya watches his coaches train. Co-headliner Dominick Reyes plays basketball with his team and family, and then the group bikes around Fight Island.
Check out the latest edition of “Embedded” above. Missed an episode? No problem, we’ve got you covered below: