UFC Fight Island: Etihad Airways flies UFC fighters and crew to Abu Dhabi

Personnel flew to the capital on flights from Brazil and Las Vegas

Stevie Ray and the UFC team arrive in Abu Dhabi from London. Etihad Airways

UFC fighters Jose Aldo, Jéssica Andrade and Amanda Ribas arrive in Abu Dhabi from Sao Paolo. Etihad Airways

UFC team arrive in Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow. Etihad Airways

Etihad pilots showcase the UFC championship belt. Etihad Airways

Paige VanZant, accompanied by Etihad staff, arrives in Abu Dhabi from Las Vegas. Etihad Airways

Rose Namajunas and Paige VanZant arrive in Abu Dhabi from Las Vegas. Etihad Airways

Max Holloway arrives in Abu Dhabi from Las Vegas. Etihad Airways

Paige VanZant and Austin Vanderford arrive in Abu Dhabi from Las Vegas. Etihad Airways

Jéssica Andrade and Amanda Ribas pose in front of the UAE flag with Etihad staff. Etihad Airways

Etihad's Wellness Ambassador and Cabin Crew showcase the UFC Championship belt. Etihad Airways

UFC stars Jose Aldo, Max Holloway, Amanda Ribas and Paige VanZant were among the athletes and crew who touched down in Abu Dhabi this past weekend ahead of this month's series of events at UFC Fight Island.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, carried Aldo, Ribas and Jessica Andrade from Sao Paolo to Abu Dhabi, with Holloway, VanZant and Rose Namajunas jetting into the capital from Las Vegas.

All personnel underwent a series of Covid-19 tests before flying to the UAE and will be subject to strict protocols on arrival and throughout their stay at Yas Island.

Abu Dhabi will host events from July 12-26, including this Sunday's UFC 251 extravaganza headlined by Kamaru Usman, who will defend his welterweight championship against Jorge Masvidal, the American drafted in as a replacement for Gilbert Burns after the Brazilian tested positive for Covid-19.