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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Why UFC believes Qatar event can redefine Middle East fight scene with 'Visit Qatar'
Visit Qatar and the UFC (Image Source: BroBible) Visit Qatar and the UFC have dropped a historic strategic alliance that will see the first UFC event ever take place in the Middle Eastern country on November 22, 2025. The historic partnership will feature mixed martial arts action at the ABHA Arena in Doha, an important milestone in the pattern of global expansion by Ultimate Fighting Championship. It is another strategic partnership that Qatar takes in its endeavour to position itself as an ultimate sporting event destination in the world, having made some thriving partnerships in its neighbouring regions of the world. Dana White emphasises the Ultimate Fighting Championship's Middle East expansion strategy The Ultimate Fighting Championship Fight Night event will give Qatar fans their first chance to see the best in mixed martial arts fighting on home ground, and at the same time enhance sporting links with the world of mixed martial arts. The announcement was greeted with scepticism because it is a fairly new market with little interest in compliant fighting styles. Ultimate Fighting Championship Chief Executive Officer Dana White commented on the Qatar announcement at a press conference in New York City, noting the expansion ambitions of the organisation. We are going everywhere, we have been in Abu Dhabi long enough, and now we are starting to move around, enjoying it, said White to gathered media people. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo The Ultimate Fighting Championship has been in Abu Dhabi on a strong footing for several years ago and the success experienced in such events has formed a blueprint for how this will be administered in other regions of the Middle East. White particularly mentioned that Qatar authorities have been keen on the massive success of Ultimate Fighting Championship activities in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan, which has enabled them to negotiate this historic partnership. UFC has been working on such a relationship with Qatar for over two years, with White indicating that he had always wanted to introduce mixed martial arts in Qatar. Visit Qatar partnership highlights nation's sporting ambitions Visit Qatar Chief Executive Officer Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi emphasised the strategic importance of this Ultimate Fighting Championship partnership in a detailed press release. "This collaboration marks a significant step that reflects our continued commitment to positioning Qatar as a leading global destination for major sporting events," Al-Mawlawi stated. The partnership leverages the Ultimate Fighting Championship's massive global fanbase of over 700 million supporters worldwide, providing Qatar with an unprecedented platform to showcase its sporting excellence and cultural richness. The November 22 event forms part of Qatar's vibrant season of major activities, supported by ongoing infrastructure development and notable growth in the events and conferences sector. This Ultimate Fighting Championship debut follows Qatar's successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating the nation's continued investment in premium sporting entertainment.. Also Read: Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 3: When and Where to watch the conclusion of the Epic Trilogy One of the most remarkable impacts of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Qatar event is that the fight is more of a mixed martial arts combat than a cultural fusion between the Western world media and the welcoming Middle East. The event promises to offer an unprecedented entertainment experience, showcasing Qatar's abilities and fostering international relations through the language of sports. Fans can expect the event to be announced in terms of ticket and fight card information in the upcoming months. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Danniella Westbrook plans more surgery as EastEnders actress ready to marry boxer boyfriend
Danniella Westbrook has confirmed her engagement to bare knuckle boxer Charlie 'Chasa Real Talk' Symonds after a romantic getaway to Greece. Danniella Westbrook appears to be entering a joyful new chapter in her life, after confirming she is engaged to bare knuckle boxer Charlie 'Chasa Real Talk' Symonds. The former EastEnders actress, 51, has gone public with her romance, and her engagement, after a sun-soaked trip to Greece, where the couple were spotted sharing kisses and cuddles in the sea. Now, Charlie has made it official with a bold Instagram post, telling followers: 'Have a go on this one if you don't like its too bad but seven years of friendship, we go on holiday and I asked her to be my mrs and she said yes so you've heard it here first. Don't listen to anybody or any press shit. Now life starts with this one @danniellawestbrook_73.' The couple, who are believed to have been close friends for six years before romance blossomed, appear to have taken things to the next level during their holiday. According to a source close to Danniella, the spark between them had been growing for some time. 'Danniella feels that she's found her soulmate, Mirror reported. Chasa doesn't judge her one bit and doesn't care what has happened in her past. He understands all about the issues she's been through but is supportive, he just wants to make her happy. She's really smitten and feels like she can trust him, which is a really big deal for her.' Their romance reportedly reignited in Dubai earlier this year at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, where Chasa, also known as the 'Croydon Bomber', was competing. Charlie, 42, is a retired English welterweight who now fights under Conor McGregor's Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). He has also been candid about his own difficult past, admitting last year that he 'went down a dark road' but has been in recovery for over seven years. For Danniella, who has battled addiction and health issues for much of her adult life, the relationship marks a fresh start. The couple's engagement comes just months after the actress revealed that losing her father in January 2024 prompted her to rebuild her life and commit to recovery again. 'I got myself back into recovery and [have] taken the right opportunities that have come and do come my way. I feel so grateful, blessed and useful,' she wrote on social media last month. Fans have welcomed the romance, flooding the pair's social media with well wishes. 'Please stay together forever,' one commented, while another wrote: 'I've not seen you two so happy in a long time, long may it continue.' One fan even encouraged Chasa to 'wife that one up, bro,' to which both responded with heart and clapping emojis, now seemingly confirmed with Charlie's engagement announcement. The insider also revealed that wedding bells may not be far off. 'This is something she's prayed for for a long time, it could be something special. She is thinking about marriage and definitely wants to tie the knot with him, it's a no brainer for her and she's ready to commit fully. They're in a love bubble so wedding bells are definitely on the cards.' Danniella is also said to be considering more cosmetic procedures before walking down the aisle. 'She would definitely have more surgery and get some tweaks before getting married, she's very much dedicated to repairing her looks and looking the best she can. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. She's already had a lot of operations, but she wants to go on until she feels content. Now she's found 'the one' she wants to make sure she's looking her best.' It's not just her love life that's improving. Danniella is also making progress in mending her relationship with her children, Kai and Jodie. The actress has been estranged from them at times, and in 2023 said she was heartbroken when her daughter Jodie 'cut' her out of her life. But last month, she shared an emotional update: 'Having both my children back in contact with me and rebuilding what I broke is something I never thought I would get a chance to do. The blessings just keep on coming one day at a time.' A source confirmed she is taking full responsibility for the past and is determined to rebuild trust. 'She's learned from her past mistakes, she's back in touch with her daughter and is so happy about it. She'll do everything she can to make sure things remain positive between them.'
Vancouver Sun
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
New trailer: Dwayne Johnson as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine
An almost 'unrecognizable' Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson is the focus of a new trailer for his upcoming movie The Smashing Machine that dropped on YouTube on Tuesday morning. Article content Article content Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) when the mixed martial arts phenomenon was in its infancy. Article content The movie is directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), based on his own script crafted from Kerr's own true story. It was filmed in and around Metro Vancouver from May to July 2024. Article content Article content Johnson nursed the project through all the stages of its development and acted as executive producer, before setting up in Hollywood North to play the title character last summer. Article content Article content Johnson also endured a radical transformation in the makeup chair each day of filming to portray Kerr, who was a huge star and multiple champion in the early years of UFC/MMA, then fell on hard times as the new millennium dawned before getting sober in recent years. Johnson's co-star Emily Blunt described him as 'unrecognizable' in the role. Article content The trailer, which also features Blunt as Kerr's partner, offers a hint of what to expect. Just like the early UFC days it depicts, it's gritty, rough and bloody, mirroring its 2022 documentary counterpart (also called The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr). Article content Article content
