Former UFC world champion Robert Whittaker is headed to Fight Island. The middleweight will take on English contender Darren Till in a highly anticipated fight on July 26th (AEST).
The fight, which will be held on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, will be Whittaker's first since his stoppage by Israel Adesanya in front of a record crowd in Melbourne in October 2019.
Whittaker was due to be the co-main event at UFC 248 in March against Jared Cannonier, only to withdraw due to personal reasons. The Australian has since detailed his struggles with injury and mental fatigue, citing 'burn out'.
Till is coming off a split decision victory at UFC 244 in New York with the Liverpudlian impressing in a brawl with Kevin Gastelum.
The main card also will feature a light heavyweight fight between Brazilian legends Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, as well as the return of formerly retired Swede Alexander Gustafsson against Fabricio Werdum.
The concept of Fight Island includes a hotel, arena and training Octagon on the beach as well as a 10-mile "safe zone" to secure the location from outside visitors. Only UFC athletes, their respective camps and staff will be permitted in the area.