Dana White has built Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) into the world’s largest mixed martial arts company and pay-per-view provider – a multibillion-dollar global enterprise, with millions of fans the world over.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the UFC had to quickly adapt to ensure that its fighters could continue to compete in a safe, secure manner. That’s when White turned to the UAE for a solution.
Impressed with how the UAE was handling the public health response to the pandemic, White and his team established “Fight Island,” a bio-secure bubble on the emirate’s Yas Island – open only to UFC fighters and staff – comprising hotels, restaurants and training facilities. With rigorous COVID protocols in place, inspired by those of the wider UAE, the bubble allowed the UFC to carry out its events safely, without compromising the health and wellbeing of the athletes, UFC staff and the wider community.
Hear from UFC President Dana White on the emirate’s culture of hospitality, innovation and determination that drove him to the UAE in a time of change and uncertainty.
