Khabib Nurmagomedov Vs Justin Gaethje Could Be The First UFC Event To Have Fans In Attendance

It's already being talked about as one of the fight cards of the year.

But UFC 254 headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje just got a whole lot more interesting.

The latest reports suggest the UFC is open to the idea of having fans in attendance on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.

PA

The outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this year took its toll on the sporting world.

Competitions were cancelled, games were postponed and fans were barred from attending events.

But as time has gone on, some codes have opened their doors to supporters - the NRL and AFL in Australia being one of the first to do so.

And now it appears the UFC is ready to take that massive step too.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism marketing director Saeed Rashed Al Saeed admits he is currently working alongside the UFC to devise a plan that would ultimately put bums in seats on Fight Island.

UFC

"We are currently studying how to bring fans into UFC 254," he told The Hotellier Middle East.

"Right now we're going through how to segregate fans from people inside the bubble but still get them inside the space in the safe manner.

"If everything goes to plan we'll be announcing this soon. It's not confirmed yet but the plan is in place but it needs to be endorsed.

"I'm optimistic but health and safety cannot be compromised. That is our priority, it will not happen unless it is fool proof."

UFC

At first, fans looked down their noses at the whole concept of hosting a 'Fight Island'.

But looking back, it's hard to argue that it hasn't been a huge success.

So much so that other organisations have looked at a similar framework to enable their respective sports to continue.

But if Dana White and the UFC can pull this one off and allow a live audience to attend this event in Abu Dhabi, it would do undoubtedly do wonders for the sport.

Topics: Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, Coronavirus, UFC, Fans, Australia, MMA, Dana White, Covid-19

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry