With their eyes on the belt, Holloway and Kattar lead UFC Ilha da Luta 7, which opens the 2021 season

C. Kattar and M. Holloway have a last look before the UFC Fight Island 7. Photo: Reproduction/ Instagram

For those who missed it, Ultimate is back. After almost a month of vacation, the company debuts in the 2021 season with the UFC Fight Island 7, which takes place in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. In total, 11 fights are scheduled and the event will close with a clash between Max Holloway e Calvin kattar.

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On the hunt for Alexander Volkanovsky, the former champion Max Holloway – who is looking for a trilogy against the Australian – wants to prove that he is still capable of playing in his old position. Kattar, in turn, will try to surprise the world and complicate the life of the Hawaiian, who is coming from two consecutive setbacks against the current leader of the group.

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In the penultimate fight of the night, a meeting of veterans that promises to take the breath away from the most nostalgic fans. After returning to action after almost two years away from MMA, the former interim welterweight champion (up to 77kg.) Carlos Condit will trade forces against Matt Brown.

Speaking of returning, 'Argentino Gente Boa' is also back. Away from the octagon since 2018, Santiago Ponzinibbio is ready to regain a prominent position among welterweights. The athlete will face the Chinese li jingliang on the main card.

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To the delight of Brazilian fans, Brazil will have two representatives on the stage set up in Abu Dhabi. Vanessa melo will be the first athlete in the country to perform. Carlos Boi also fights in the first half of the card.

Holloway x Kattar

Considered one of the best featherweights in the UFC, Max Holloway He is going through a difficult time in his career. After losing the featherweight belt to Alexander Volkanovsky in December 2019, and the immediate rematch, in 2020, the Hawaiian continues with his desire to prove himself within the category.

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This Saturday, then, the former title holder will be placed face to face against the dangerous Kattar, current number six in the group and who comes from two positive results in a row. The duel represents a lot for the division, since, from the clash, the challenger could emerge as the winner between Volkanovski and Brian ortega, who still don't have a date to fight.

At 29 years old, Max is making his 28th appearance as a professional in MMA. The athlete has 21 triumphs and six setbacks.

Kattar, 32, has 26 encounters in the sport. The North American won 22 victories and suffered four setbacks; the last for Zabit MagomedsharipovIn 2019.

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He returned!

With charisma and great technical ability, Santiago Ponzinibbio Over the years, he has won the affection of Brazilian fans. After spending more than two years away from fighting due to health problems, the athlete is back.

Removed from the rankings due to inactivity, the welterweight will try to prove that he is still one of the best names in the category led by Kamaru Usman and to do so, you must overcome the dangerous li jingliang.

Before the career hiatus, Ponzinibbio occupied a prominent place in the group. Today, the 34-year-old athlete has seven consecutive victories. In his last performance, the athlete won Neil Magny by knockout.

Brazil at UFC Ilha da Luta 7

In a complicated phase in Ultimate, Vanessa melo arrives 'hanging' for her fight against Sarah Moras. Coming from three consecutive defeats, 'Miss Congeniality' enters the Octagon under pressure from the obligation to win so as not to run the risk of dismissal from the organization.

Having debuted in the UFC in September 2019, Melo has yet to win in his three engagements with the organization's glove. Her last challenge took place in July last year, when she was overcome by her compatriot Karol Rosa.

Just like Vanessa, Sarah won't have an easy life this weekend. With four setbacks in the last five fights, the Canadian needs to win and convince to breathe within the organization. Her last victory came in September 2019, when she overcame Liana Jojua.