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Learn from renowned MMA coach Firas Zahabi and UAE-based
UFC fighter Mounir ‘The Sniper’ Lazzez
Unique two-day activation reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s position as region’s MMA capital
Package, starting from AED 2,200 available now at www.premieronline.com
Abu Dhabi: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans in the region will have an unparalleled opportunity to gain insight into the sport at a special two-day Escape and Evolve ‘staycation’ event, which will take place during this month’s Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, the festival of city-wide activities that will culminate in UFC 267: BLACHOWICZ VS. TEXIEIRA at Etihad Arena on 30 October.
Part of Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to be recognised as the Middle East’s MMA capital, event organisers at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have created a tailored programme to give fans access to MMA stars and the inner workings of the sport across two action-packed days.
Escape and Evolve will offer a series of MMA-based workshops – hybrid training, striking, and combat conditioning – lead by renowned MMA coach Firas Zahabi and featuring UFC talents such as Mounir ‘The Sniper’ Lazzez, the UAE-based, Tunisian mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s welterweight division. The training sessions will be complemented by Q&A sessions and workshops with the stars.
Attendees at the one-of-a-kind Escape and Evolve event will also be able to register to attend Abu Dhabi Showdown Week activities including the UFC 267 Press Conference at Etihad Arena on Thursday 28 October; the Official UFC 267 Weigh-in at Etihad Arena on Friday 29 October, and the headline UFC 267 on 30 October.
Bronze packages start at AED 2,200 and include tickets to UFC 267, an overnight stay at the W Abu Dhabi, breakfast and lunch, four training sessions by Tristar Gym and coach Firas, two workshops focussing on mindset and recovery, as well as merchandise.
“Abu Dhabi is the undisputed home of UFC, having proven its capabilities to host major events safely and securely, and the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is the latest step in our quest to become the capital of MMA. The appetite for MMA and UFC in this region is huge and we wanted to give fans something extra special ahead of the headline UFC 267 event,” said Fatima Saeed Al Baloushi, Deputy Director, Abu Dhabi Events Bureau. “Escape and Evolve will elevate the ADSW fan experience and give people a deep dive into the MMA world, enhancing both their knowledge and skills. This activation will underline our commitment to building on Abu Dhabi’s rich, diverse mix of sports, entertainment, cultural and lifestyle offerings.”
Faisal Aasam and Mohammed Yousef, Managing Partners, from Evolve Sports Solutions, added: “Our extensive research gave us great insight into how incredibly popular MMA is in this region, which allowed us to create a truly immersive experience that will let fans take their knowledge and skills to new levels.
“Thanks to the support of our partners at Abu Dhabi Showdown Week we are able to add an extra dimension to an enthralling festival.”
UFC 267: BLACHOWICZ vs. TEXIEIRA will mark a hotly anticipated return of UFC to its international home Etihad Arena on 30 October. The event features two title fights, headlined by the light-heavyweight match-up between Polish champion Jan Blachowicz and American No.1 contender Glover Texieira.
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About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the Emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the Emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 625 million fans and 166 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to approximately 900M TV households across more than 175 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.
Etihad Arena
Etihad Arena is the UAE’s landmark of entertainment, the region's largest multi-purpose indoor arena set on the stunning waterfront of Yas Bay, offering world-class event space and hospitality. Designed with sustainability at its core, the venue offers a dynamic event space that can be easily transformed to host a variety of events including large-scale international concerts, sports games, corporate events, private functions and local community celebrations. Owned by Miral Asset Management and operated by Flash Entertainment, Etihad Arena is proudly positioned on Yas Island, the Middle East’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, and will enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a global entertainment hub. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is the proud naming rights partner for Etihad Arena. Over the years to come, Etihad will fly many of the world-class entertainment acts and guests to the venue.
About Evolve Sports Solutions
Evolve Sports Solutions (Evolve) is the pioneer in the development of community-focused, fitness lifestyle activations in the United Arab Emirates. Evolve curates one of a kind experiences with best-in-class brands and personalities, with a mission to position Abu Dhabi as a premiere, global sports tourism and lifestyle destination.
© Press Release 2021
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