By FCF Staff

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced that it has signed a five year deal with Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which will see the emirate host events annually over that time. In addition, it’s been confirmed that UFC 242 will take place in Abu Dhabi on September 7th.

Although no bouts have been announced for UFC 242, the expectation has been that lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov will face interim champ, Dustin Poirier at the event.

The official announcement for the new partnership included this quote from UFC President Dana White:

“We are making a long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi because we have had great success in that market. The demand from our fans to bring UFC back to Abu Dhabi has been overwhelming, and over the next five years, DCT Abu Dhabi will help us deliver some spectacular UFC championship fights to the UAE.   I’m very excited about this partnership and what it will mean for the growth of this sport and for UFC in the region.”

The UFC has held events in Abu Dhabi in 2010 and 2014.