ABU DHABI // The unbeaten middleweight, Anderson Silva, will now face his Brazilian compatriot Demain Maia in April's Abu Dhabi Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) event after original opponent, Victor Belfort, was forced to have surgery on a shoulder.
Maia, a grappling and submission expert is being touted as a worthy opponent to the middleweight champion after claiming a three-round win over Dan Miller at UFC 109.
While the Sao Paulo native, 32, boasts six wins out of seven UFC bouts, five by submission, Abu Dhabi's UFC 112 event represents the biggest bout of Maia's career.
Silva has 10 UFC victories behind him and has successfully defended his belt five times.
"It's always tough when a top fighter like Victor Belfort has to pull out of a big title fight, but we have found a high quality replacement," said the UFC President Dana White. "Top contender Chael Sonnen was not available due to injuries sustained in his fight with Nate Marquardt, so top-six middleweight Demian Maia will step in to fight for the title.
"Anderson Silva versus Demian Maia will be a match-up between mixed martial art's (MMA) best striker and best grappler."
Taking place in a purpose-built, 12,000-seater outdoor arena on Yas Island on April 10, the card will also see the headliner BJ Penn defend his UFC lightweight title against Frankie Edgar.
Other fights on the night include match-ups between the welterweights 'Slick' Nick Osipczak and Rick 'the Horror' Story as well as the ultimate fighter season three champion Kendall Grove, and Mark Munoz in a middleweight bout.
John Gunderson will take on the two-time world kickboxing champion Paul Taylor.
Veterans of UFC will also take to the ring as Matt Hughes locks horns with MMA pioneer and Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert Renzo Gracie at welterweight.
"There is a great buzz around UFC 112 already, thanks to the amazing fight card and the unique setting of the event," said the UFC chairman and CEO, Lorenzo Fertitta.
Tickets are available from www.boxofficeme.com.
Six pricing categories start with upper grandstand tickets from Dh395 while at the other end of the scale, octagon-side platinum floor tickets are Dh3,695. The show lasts five hours.
stregoning@thenational.ae
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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