Etihad Arena ramps up preparations ahead of this week’s UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi

The Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will host UFC Fight Night on Saturday. Courtesy of DCT

Preparations are ramping up ahead of this week’s UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, as the Etihad Arena gets set to welcome for the first time the world’s lead mixed martial arts organisation.

The new venue will officially open its doors to the public on Saturday, with UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs Kattar kicking off a run of three events in nine days.

Another Fight Night takes place on January 20 before Fight Island concludes four days later with Conor McGregor’s headline bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 257.

Unlike the previous two UFC residencies, which played out at the nearby Flash Forum, this run will be open to a limited number of fans. It marks the first time since March that the UFC has staged live events with spectators.

Tickets went on sale on Friday, with organisers reporting a “huge demand”. Package deals are still available for fight fans eager to attend.

The National was on Tuesday given a quick peek at preparations inside Etihad Arena, as excitement continues to build ahead of the UFC's latest stop in the capital.