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 champion[autotag] Israel Adesanya[/autotag] (19-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) defends his belt against. [autotag]Paulo Costa[/autotag] (13-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC). And a new light heavyweight champ will be crowned, with [autotag]Jan Blachowicz [/autotag](26-8 MMA, 9-5 UFC) vs. [autotag]Dominick Reyes[/autotag] (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) set to fill the belt vacated by former champion Jon Jones.
The third episode of “Embedded” follows the starts as fight week in Abu Dhabi kicks into full gear. Here’s the UFC’s description:
Kai Kara France and champ Israel Adesanya train, bolstered by their COVID-era camp. Challenger Paulo Costa does interviews and signs posters. Jan Blachowicz hits the game room; Adesanya takes the game to his room for a UFC4 rematch.
Check out the latest edition of “Embedded” above. Missed an episode? No problem, we’ve got you covered below:
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