UFC Fight Island: Abu Dhabi's Yas Island confirmed as venue

Yas Island has previously hosted UFC and has staged Formula 1's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009

UFC Fight Island will take place on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island next month with a bumper UFC 251 featuring three title fights on the opening night.

Fighters will stay and train on the island before the fights take place in an "octagon on the sand", as UFC continues despite global border limits.

The event will include UFC 251 on 11 July, headlined by welterweight Kamaru Usman's defence against Gilbert Burns.

There will be three further nights on 15, 18 and 25 July.

"Nobody will leave," UFC president Dana White said. "Everything will happen on the island."

Because of the coronavirus crisis, authorities will set up a safety zone including an arena, hotel, training facilities and a restaurant which will only be open to fighters, coaches, UFC staff and other event personnel.

UFC 251 will also feature featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski's rematch against Max Holloway and Petr Yan against Jose Aldo for the vacant UFC bantamweight title.

The card also includes Rose Namajunas against Jessica Andrade and Paige VanZant's fight with Amanda Ribas.