Yes, "Fight Island" is real. Its location is now public information, and it's hardly a secluded area.
The UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced Tuesday that UFC 251 and three UFC Fight Nights will take place on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, located just to the east of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
One of the emirate’s most popular leisure entertainment destinations, Yas Island also has hosted the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009 at Yas Marina Circuit.
"We came up with the idea of having fights on ‘Fight Island’ because we needed a destination to hold international events during the global pandemic," UFC president Dana White saide. "Abu Dhabi has been an amazing location to hold fights over the past 10 years and it is the perfect place for these events.
"The infrastructure we are building will be such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the fighters that’s never been done before — from the arena, the private training facility, and the Octagon on the island — it’s going to be an experience that none of us will ever forget. I can’t wait to deliver amazing fights from Yas island.”
MORE: Everything we know about Fight Island
According to the UFC's release, DCT Abu Dhabi will create a safety zone within the island that will include an arena, hotel, training facilities and dining establishments. The area will only be open to UFC athletes/coaches, staff/other event personnel and necessary Yas Island employees.
"We have worked closely with all government entities in Abu Dhabi to ensure that the staging of this historic event complies with the highest standards of safety for the athletes, coaches, and all UFC personnel as well as the safety of our community," said DCT Abu Dhabi chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. "This year, Abu Dhabi has successfully proven its ability to handle all challenges and promote the well-being of its visitors and residents."
UFC 251, the first event that will take place on "Fight Island," is scheduled for Saturday, July 11. It will be followed by Fight Nights held at the same venue on July 15, July 18 and July 25. The cards for those fights will be announced in the coming weeks.