As the UFC continues to grow their global brand, we can expect to see an increased number of major events brought to different corners of the globe. While the majority of the pay-per-view UFC events have taken place inside the USA, they have started to travel with increasing frequency in recent years.
The likes of Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro have held events in 2019, while UFC 242 is taking place in Abu Dhabi today.
Of course, the United Arab Emirates is known for its soaring temperatures, especially at this time of year. While you may have assumed that the indoor UFC event would be immune to problems surrounding this issue, that does not appear to be the case.
The event has been underway for a number of hours, with the early preliminary and preliminary fights almost complete. However, concerns have been raised over the conditions in 'The Arena' in Abu Dhabi.
The current outdoor temperature in Abu Dhabi is 35 degrees celsius. However, when you take into account other factors such as the lights above the octagon, the lack of satisfactory air conditioning and the amount of people in the arena, the temperatures the fighters are subjected to will likely be even higher.
MMA journalist Shaheen Al-Shatti revealed the rudimentary air conditioning in the arena was doing little to quell the heat, and said it would no doubt affect the fights.
Spoke to some of the coaches after the first fight. I think it's hard to overstate how extraordinarily hot it is here, not just inside the arena, but even more so under the hot lights in the cage. There's no way this doesn't play a major role in the fights tonight. #UFC242
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) September 7, 2019
It's warm in the crowd, but under the lights near the cage it's brutal. And this is with a half-empty arena. Once this place fills out, all that collective body heat...it's likely going to get worse.
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) September 7, 2019
They built this structure over the past couple months and were working around the clock to get it done this week. Similar to UFC 112, however, that arena didn’t have a roof and this one does. Though, it’s more like a tent. Also, it’s hotter in UAE in Sept than in April.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 7, 2019
Piss take, how this wasn’t sorted is a joke. Puts fighters in serious risk of heat stroke.
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) September 7, 2019
I have never watched a ufc event with an active fear in the back of my mind that a fighter could die that evening. This is amazingly negligent. #KoreyStringer #JordanMcNair
— Steve Jaubstin (@SteveJaubstin) September 7, 2019
Why would the Ufc subject their fighters to this type of work environment?
— Yank (@Behemothmonster) September 7, 2019
My prelim takeaway from #UFC242:
Going to be tough to rate fighters coming out of these fights because the temperature and humidity is such a massive factor and clearly having a considerable impact.— E. Spencer Kyte (@spencerkyte) September 7, 2019
Zuba looked super drained during and after the fight. He kept looking at the clock as well meaning he was most likely exhausted. I hope the fighters are staying hydrated. This heat is no joke. #UFC242 #UFCAbuDhabi
— Fight Fans Club (@FightFansClub) September 7, 2019
Well done jojo!! 👊 #UFC242 the heat is killing these fighters!! 🙄
— KELZO14💙 (@DLYTFULDIVA) September 7, 2019
Calderwood, afterwards: "I’m really, really hot right now. I’m so hot.
"And not in the good-looking way.”— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 7, 2019
