13 hours ago
An early focus of the inquiry was a deal TWG struck last year with Mubadala Capital, an arm of an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, according to people familiar with the matter. In April 2025 the companies announced Mubadala Capital would anchor a $10 billion syndicated investment in TWG. Prosecutors were looking into whether Mubadala Capital had been misled about valuations, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential matters. It's unclear whether prosecutors are still pursuing that line of inquiry.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: An early focus of the inquiry was a deal TWG struck …
#focus
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: An early focus of the inquiry was a deal TWG struck …
#focus
23 hours ago
BogdanGuskov has addressed his loss to MagomedAnkalaev.
Guskov (18-4-1) stepped up on 14 days' notice to replace KhalilRountree against Ankalaev (21-2-1) in the main event of theUltimate Fighting Championship's recent Fight Night in AbuDhabi. Guskov never quite found momentum as Ankalaev slowly andsteadily picked him apart. The former UFC champion eventually tookthe Uzbek contender down and finished him with ground-and-pound inthe final round.
Guskov apologized to his fans and thanked them for their unwaveringsupport. He vowed to bounce back stronger from his defeat atUFC Abu Dhabi.
"I'm sorry to everyone who believed in me," Guskov wrote on X."That night wasn't my night, but I'm grateful for everyone whostood behind me and supported me through this journey. Thank youfor all the kind words and messages. I'll learn from this, comeback stronger. I'm not done yet."
This was Guskov's first loss since a submission defeat in his UFCdebut in 2023. "Hitman" had bounced back from that result with afour-fight finishing streak before fighting JanBlachowicz to a draw last year.
#night #fight #stronger
Guskov (18-4-1) stepped up on 14 days' notice to replace KhalilRountree against Ankalaev (21-2-1) in the main event of theUltimate Fighting Championship's recent Fight Night in AbuDhabi. Guskov never quite found momentum as Ankalaev slowly andsteadily picked him apart. The former UFC champion eventually tookthe Uzbek contender down and finished him with ground-and-pound inthe final round.
Guskov apologized to his fans and thanked them for their unwaveringsupport. He vowed to bounce back stronger from his defeat atUFC Abu Dhabi.
"I'm sorry to everyone who believed in me," Guskov wrote on X."That night wasn't my night, but I'm grateful for everyone whostood behind me and supported me through this journey. Thank youfor all the kind words and messages. I'll learn from this, comeback stronger. I'm not done yet."
This was Guskov's first loss since a submission defeat in his UFCdebut in 2023. "Hitman" had bounced back from that result with afour-fight finishing streak before fighting JanBlachowicz to a draw last year.
#night #fight #stronger
23 hours ago
Since the early days when the sport was anything but a mainstream endeavor, the MMA industry has thrived and survived through various websites, forums, and – perhaps most importantly – social-media platforms.
Fighters interact with fans, each other and many more through the likes of X, Facebook and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.
Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night 282 in Abu Dhabi, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.
Check out some of those reactions.
#Media #since #Facebook
Fighters interact with fans, each other and many more through the likes of X, Facebook and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.
Following Saturday's UFC Fight Night 282 in Abu Dhabi, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.
Check out some of those reactions.
#Media #since #Facebook
4 days ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back in Abu Dhabi TODAY (Sat., July 25, 2026) to stage UFC Abu Dhabi from inside Etihad Arena, Fight Island, UAE featuring a Light Heavyweight fight between Magomed Ankalaev taking on Bogdan Guskov. In the co-main event, which will stream on Paramount+, Steve Erceg will battle Ramazan Temirov in a Flyweight bout.
What UFC event is on tonight? UFC Abu Dhabi: "Ankalaev vs. Guskov"
Who is fighting tonight at UFC Abu Dhabi? Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov Light Heavyweight fight is the five-round main event.
What time does UFC Abu Dhabi start? TODAY (Sat., July 25, 2026), beginning at 9 a.m. ET on Paramount+.
Where will UFC Abu Dhabi take place? Paycom Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
#dhabi #guskov #today #july
What UFC event is on tonight? UFC Abu Dhabi: "Ankalaev vs. Guskov"
Who is fighting tonight at UFC Abu Dhabi? Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov Light Heavyweight fight is the five-round main event.
What time does UFC Abu Dhabi start? TODAY (Sat., July 25, 2026), beginning at 9 a.m. ET on Paramount+.
Where will UFC Abu Dhabi take place? Paycom Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
#dhabi #guskov #today #july
4 days ago
Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman meet on the UFC Fight Night 282 main card Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ***** yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 75-41-1
Dulatov (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) shined as a massive favorite in his debut against Adam Fugitt last July. After ending that fight in the first round, Dulatov enters his second UFC bout as a huge favorite again.
Turman (18-8 MMA, 3-6 UFC) returns to action for the first time since December 2023. He looks to shake off the dust and get back in the win column to end a three-fight skid.
#turman #wellington
Last event's results: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 75-41-1
Dulatov (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) shined as a massive favorite in his debut against Adam Fugitt last July. After ending that fight in the first round, Dulatov enters his second UFC bout as a huge favorite again.
Turman (18-8 MMA, 3-6 UFC) returns to action for the first time since December 2023. He looks to shake off the dust and get back in the win column to end a three-fight skid.
#turman #wellington
4 days ago
Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov meet in the UFC Fight Night 282 co-feature Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ****** yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 75-41-1
Erceg (14-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) looks to make it three straight wins after victories over Ode Osbourne and Tim Elliott. The former ****** le challenger fought for the belt at UFC 301, but lost a decision to then-champion Alexandre Pantoja.
Temirov (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) looks to win his third UFC fight in as many appearances. He has won his first pair of outings by stopping CJ Vergara and winning a decision against Charles Johnson. Temirov is currently on an 11-fight winning streak.
#fight #erceg #looks #winning
Last event's results: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 75-41-1
Erceg (14-4 MMA, 5-3 UFC) looks to make it three straight wins after victories over Ode Osbourne and Tim Elliott. The former ****** le challenger fought for the belt at UFC 301, but lost a decision to then-champion Alexandre Pantoja.
Temirov (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) looks to win his third UFC fight in as many appearances. He has won his first pair of outings by stopping CJ Vergara and winning a decision against Charles Johnson. Temirov is currently on an 11-fight winning streak.
#fight #erceg #looks #winning
4 days ago
The UFC is back in the Middle East with a former champion at the top of the bill.
UFC Fight Night 282 takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi (Paramount+).
Get pick results from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers, as well as additional ***** ysis, below.
Records: Izagakhmaev (22-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Vagaev (24-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
#etihad #dhabi
UFC Fight Night 282 takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi (Paramount+).
Get pick results from our 11 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers, as well as additional ***** ysis, below.
Records: Izagakhmaev (22-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Vagaev (24-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
#etihad #dhabi
4 days ago
It took years for Magomed Ankalaev to climb to the top of the light heavyweight mountain, and less than 90 seconds for his reign to end. There's no telling how long it will take him to make it back, but he takes his first steps to another championship opportunity at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Saturday's main event features Ankalaev in his first fight since a brutal knockout loss to rival Alex Pereira at UFC 320 this past October. Ankalaev was originally set to face Khalil Rountree Jr., but with Rountree forced to withdraw, in steps up-and-coming contender Bogdan Guskov. This is a change of plans for Guskov as well as he was lined up to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade next week, only for the matchmakers to call upon him to save the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner.
For one reason or another, Ankalaev has seemingly never been a favorite of the UFC's shot-callers as it took a seven-year unbeaten streak for him to earn his first ******* le shot; now, he needs to stifle Guskov just to keep his spot in line. On the other side, Guskov is undefeated in his past five fights and suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to jump into the top 5 of the rankings.
Will it be status quo or a new face in the ******* le picture by the end of the weekend?
What: UFC Abu Dhabi
#guskov #steps #Opportunity #past
Saturday's main event features Ankalaev in his first fight since a brutal knockout loss to rival Alex Pereira at UFC 320 this past October. Ankalaev was originally set to face Khalil Rountree Jr., but with Rountree forced to withdraw, in steps up-and-coming contender Bogdan Guskov. This is a change of plans for Guskov as well as he was lined up to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade next week, only for the matchmakers to call upon him to save the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner.
For one reason or another, Ankalaev has seemingly never been a favorite of the UFC's shot-callers as it took a seven-year unbeaten streak for him to earn his first ******* le shot; now, he needs to stifle Guskov just to keep his spot in line. On the other side, Guskov is undefeated in his past five fights and suddenly finds himself with an opportunity to jump into the top 5 of the rankings.
Will it be status quo or a new face in the ******* le picture by the end of the weekend?
What: UFC Abu Dhabi
#guskov #steps #Opportunity #past
5 days ago
This week, the UFC travels across the globe to Abu Dhabi for a Fight Night event.
At UFC Fight Night 282, former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev takes on short-notice opponent Bogdan Guskov.
Elsewhere, veterans of the promotion are competing in various combat sports. Scroll below to see how last week's UFC vets fared on the regional scene, and check out the names and details of the upcoming weekend's competitors.
Upcoming event information from Tapology.
Elias Silverio: Unanimous decision loss vs. Khalid Satuev at ACA 205
#dhabi #bogdan #elsewhere
At UFC Fight Night 282, former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev takes on short-notice opponent Bogdan Guskov.
Elsewhere, veterans of the promotion are competing in various combat sports. Scroll below to see how last week's UFC vets fared on the regional scene, and check out the names and details of the upcoming weekend's competitors.
Upcoming event information from Tapology.
Elias Silverio: Unanimous decision loss vs. Khalid Satuev at ACA 205
#dhabi #bogdan #elsewhere
5 days ago
The UFC Fight Night 282 main event is locked in after Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov did their jobs on the scale at Friday's official weigh-in.
Former light heavyweight champion Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) will attempt to rebound from losing the belt to Alex Pereira in October when he clashes with surging contender Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC), who stepped into the fight on short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew.
Despite serving as a replacement, Guskov had no issues on the scale as he hit 205.5 pounds. There was no drama for Ankalaev, either, because he registered at 205.5 pounds.
The stage is now set for Saturday's five-round headliner, which takes place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and streams on Paramount+ beginning at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT.
Check out complete results from UFC Fight Night 282 official weigh-ins here.
#night #scale #magomed
Former light heavyweight champion Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) will attempt to rebound from losing the belt to Alex Pereira in October when he clashes with surging contender Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC), who stepped into the fight on short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew.
Despite serving as a replacement, Guskov had no issues on the scale as he hit 205.5 pounds. There was no drama for Ankalaev, either, because he registered at 205.5 pounds.
The stage is now set for Saturday's five-round headliner, which takes place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and streams on Paramount+ beginning at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT.
Check out complete results from UFC Fight Night 282 official weigh-ins here.
#night #scale #magomed
5 days ago
Image: Ben Duffy/Sherdog.com illustration
We at Sherdog provide regular, in-depth preview coverage for allmajor events, including our oft-praised preview column along withour "Sheehan Show" handling all sorts of related matters includingbetting. With those official sources for picks handled, we wouldlike to take the edge off here and get a bit lighter with ourbreakdowns.
The industry of sports betting is exploding before our very eyes,with billions of dollars pumping in since legalization stateside.Oftentimes, those driving the lines are right on the money withtheir openings, valuations and ****** yses. Occasionally they are wayoff, or otherwise merit some additional conversation. That is wherewe come in with this reinvigorated series of Prime Picks, where,stealing a line from game show host Sam Reich, we hold hands andjump into the abyss together for Saturday morning's Ultimate Fighting Championship's jaunt toAbu Dhabi. Try it out.
MagomedAnkalaev (-575)
MagomedZaynukov (-290)
MagomedTuchalov (-900)
We admit, we're getting away with a technicality here by notincluding MuhammadSaid in our same-name parlay. After all, Magomed is the Russiantransliteration of Muhammad. Also, good luck trying to search thename "Muhammad Said" without any additional qualifiers and stillgarner any information about the fighter of that namesake. All ofthese Magomeds are rightful favorites, and in the case of two ofthe more expected victors of Tuchalov and Ankalaev, moneyline betsare just not worth it.
Therefore, we pair these three gents together, all of whom haveclear paths to victory against foes who have displayed exploitableweaknesses. Some are giving BogdanGuskov a proverbial "puncher's chance" to win this fight,although he might have some surprise jiu-jitsu in his back pocket.Nevertheless, unless Ankalaev chooses to take things horizontal—heis not nearly as keen on doing this despite his reputation, onlydoing so in his first triumphant meeting against AlexPereira. Against "Poatan," he did attempt a clean dozen shots.While he did not land a single one, the mere threat of the takedownallowed him to get in on the stoic striker and do some work. A fewfaked shots against "Hitman," whose takedown defense has alreadycome into question despite his recent successes, would payimmediate dividends.
We get to the meat of the order. More specifically, the pork. JohnPork. "Wild Chanco" Zaynukov, who actually had his nickname onFight Finder as "John Pork" until specifically reaching out torequest that it be taken down. RobertWhittaker didn't have the same problem when Ben Fowlkes andChad Dundas first crowned him "Bobby Knuckles" in the always-great"Co-Main Event Podcast" and it stuck. Even though DamianRzepecki will hold a slight bit more experience and morestoppages on his ledger, he and Zaynukov stand at differentterraces in their respective careers.
To get signed through the promotion, the Dagestan native in thepipeline of the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School
We at Sherdog provide regular, in-depth preview coverage for allmajor events, including our oft-praised preview column along withour "Sheehan Show" handling all sorts of related matters includingbetting. With those official sources for picks handled, we wouldlike to take the edge off here and get a bit lighter with ourbreakdowns.
The industry of sports betting is exploding before our very eyes,with billions of dollars pumping in since legalization stateside.Oftentimes, those driving the lines are right on the money withtheir openings, valuations and ****** yses. Occasionally they are wayoff, or otherwise merit some additional conversation. That is wherewe come in with this reinvigorated series of Prime Picks, where,stealing a line from game show host Sam Reich, we hold hands andjump into the abyss together for Saturday morning's Ultimate Fighting Championship's jaunt toAbu Dhabi. Try it out.
MagomedAnkalaev (-575)
MagomedZaynukov (-290)
MagomedTuchalov (-900)
We admit, we're getting away with a technicality here by notincluding MuhammadSaid in our same-name parlay. After all, Magomed is the Russiantransliteration of Muhammad. Also, good luck trying to search thename "Muhammad Said" without any additional qualifiers and stillgarner any information about the fighter of that namesake. All ofthese Magomeds are rightful favorites, and in the case of two ofthe more expected victors of Tuchalov and Ankalaev, moneyline betsare just not worth it.
Therefore, we pair these three gents together, all of whom haveclear paths to victory against foes who have displayed exploitableweaknesses. Some are giving BogdanGuskov a proverbial "puncher's chance" to win this fight,although he might have some surprise jiu-jitsu in his back pocket.Nevertheless, unless Ankalaev chooses to take things horizontal—heis not nearly as keen on doing this despite his reputation, onlydoing so in his first triumphant meeting against AlexPereira. Against "Poatan," he did attempt a clean dozen shots.While he did not land a single one, the mere threat of the takedownallowed him to get in on the stoic striker and do some work. A fewfaked shots against "Hitman," whose takedown defense has alreadycome into question despite his recent successes, would payimmediate dividends.
We get to the meat of the order. More specifically, the pork. JohnPork. "Wild Chanco" Zaynukov, who actually had his nickname onFight Finder as "John Pork" until specifically reaching out torequest that it be taken down. RobertWhittaker didn't have the same problem when Ben Fowlkes andChad Dundas first crowned him "Bobby Knuckles" in the always-great"Co-Main Event Podcast" and it stuck. Even though DamianRzepecki will hold a slight bit more experience and morestoppages on his ledger, he and Zaynukov stand at differentterraces in their respective careers.
To get signed through the promotion, the Dagestan native in thepipeline of the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School
5 days ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is just over 24 hours away from the upcoming UFC Abu Dhabi mixed martial arts (MMA) event, which is set to go down this Sat. (July 25, 2026) on Paramount+ from inside Etihad Arena on "Fight Island" in Abu Dhabi, UAE. UFC Abu Dhabi will be headlined by a Light Heavyweight clash between former champion Magomed Ankalev and rising contender Bogdan Guskov.
Before the Paramount+ card gets underway this weekend in Abu Dhabi, which also includes a Flyweight showdown between former 125-pound ****** le challenger Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov, all 26 fighters must hit the scale to prove themselves worthy.
Complete UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins text results beginning at 1 a.m. ET below:
205 lbs.: Magomed Ankalaev () vs. Bogdan Guskov ()
125 lbs.: Steve Erceg () vs. Ramazan Temirov ()
265 lbs.: Rizvan Kuniev () vs. Tyrell Fortune ()
170 lbs.: Islam Dulatov () vs. Wellington Turman ()
155 lbs.: Magomed Zaynukov () vs. Damian Rzepecki ()
170 lbs.: Saygid Izagakhmaev () vs. Abubakar Vagaev ()
265 lbs.: Valter Walker () vs. Thomas Petersen ()
155 lbs.: Ismael Bonfim () vs. Axel Sola ()
205 lbs.: Brendson Ribeiro () vs. Magomed Tuchalov ()
155 lbs.: Nurullo Aliev () vs. Mike Davis ()
170 lbs.: Santiago Ponzinibbio () vs. Sam Patterson ()
205 lbs.: Dustin Jacoby () vs. Muhammad Said ()
135 lbs.: Abdul Hussein () vs. Cody Gibson ()
#guskov
Before the Paramount+ card gets underway this weekend in Abu Dhabi, which also includes a Flyweight showdown between former 125-pound ****** le challenger Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov, all 26 fighters must hit the scale to prove themselves worthy.
Complete UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins text results beginning at 1 a.m. ET below:
205 lbs.: Magomed Ankalaev () vs. Bogdan Guskov ()
125 lbs.: Steve Erceg () vs. Ramazan Temirov ()
265 lbs.: Rizvan Kuniev () vs. Tyrell Fortune ()
170 lbs.: Islam Dulatov () vs. Wellington Turman ()
155 lbs.: Magomed Zaynukov () vs. Damian Rzepecki ()
170 lbs.: Saygid Izagakhmaev () vs. Abubakar Vagaev ()
265 lbs.: Valter Walker () vs. Thomas Petersen ()
155 lbs.: Ismael Bonfim () vs. Axel Sola ()
205 lbs.: Brendson Ribeiro () vs. Magomed Tuchalov ()
155 lbs.: Nurullo Aliev () vs. Mike Davis ()
170 lbs.: Santiago Ponzinibbio () vs. Sam Patterson ()
205 lbs.: Dustin Jacoby () vs. Muhammad Said ()
135 lbs.: Abdul Hussein () vs. Cody Gibson ()
#guskov
5 days ago
At the UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins, all 26 fighters on Saturday's fight card step on the scale Friday in Azerbaijan. Watch ceremonial weigh-ins above, set to kick off at 10 a.m. ET.
In the main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev fights fast-rising contender Bogdan Guskov. Both fighters can weigh no more than the 206 pound limit for their non-title fight.
Ankalaev is currently No. 3 at light heavyweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Guskov stands at No. 12. Coming off of his first loss since 2018, a ***** le fight defeat to Alex Pereira, Ankalaev also holds a spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings at No. 17.
In the co-main event, one-time UFC ***** le challenger Steve Erceg squares off with Ramazan Temirov in a flyweight contest. Neither man may weigh more than 126 pounds.
Check out the UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-in results below.
#weigh #pound
In the main event, former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev fights fast-rising contender Bogdan Guskov. Both fighters can weigh no more than the 206 pound limit for their non-title fight.
Ankalaev is currently No. 3 at light heavyweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Guskov stands at No. 12. Coming off of his first loss since 2018, a ***** le fight defeat to Alex Pereira, Ankalaev also holds a spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings at No. 17.
In the co-main event, one-time UFC ***** le challenger Steve Erceg squares off with Ramazan Temirov in a flyweight contest. Neither man may weigh more than 126 pounds.
Check out the UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-in results below.
#weigh #pound
5 days ago
UFC Fight Night 282 official weigh-ins take place Friday from the host hotel on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and MMA Junkie will have results from the session below beginning at 1 a.m. ET/10 p.m. PT.
Among those weighing in for Saturday's event, which takes place at Etihad Arena (Paramount+), will be light heavyweight headliners Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) and Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC), who meet in a five-round matchup.
Magomed Ankalaev () vs. Bogdan Guskov ()
Steve Erceg vs. Ramazonbek Temirov ()
Islam Dulatov () vs. Wellington Turman ()
#place
Among those weighing in for Saturday's event, which takes place at Etihad Arena (Paramount+), will be light heavyweight headliners Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1 MMA, 12-2-1 UFC) and Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1 MMA, 4-1-1 UFC), who meet in a five-round matchup.
Magomed Ankalaev () vs. Bogdan Guskov ()
Steve Erceg vs. Ramazonbek Temirov ()
Islam Dulatov () vs. Wellington Turman ()
#place
5 days ago
Santiago Ponzinibbio is on the verge of hitting a big milestone in his fighting career. Saturday, the Argentinian will compete in his 40th professional MMA fight – a number few reach in their careers.
"Yeah, I did know that, and that's without counting the fights from 'TUF,' which were four," Ponzinibbio told Hablemos MMA in Spanish.
Ponzinibbio (30-9 MMA, 12-8 UFC), a longtime welterweight, returns against Sam Patterson (14-3-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) on the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 282 (Paramount+) at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ponzinibbio revealed this wasn't the original matchup, but in a way, he's glad he drew a younger opponent, as he gets an opportunity to show he can hang with newer talent.
"I was supposed to fight Jack Hermansson, but he ended up getting injured, and I was offered Patterson," Ponzinibbio said. "It's a much different challenge, but it is still a challenge. It's one of those clashes of generations that the company likes to make, and it's a great opportunity to show that I'm still good and relevant and that I can hang with the new generation. I'm not focused on him. I'm focused on me."
Apart from competing in his 40th fight Saturday, Ponzinibbio is also just weeks away from his 40th birthday. He knows he's reaching the end of his fighting days, but retirement is not something he thinks about much.
#fight #saturday #Opportunity #hang
"Yeah, I did know that, and that's without counting the fights from 'TUF,' which were four," Ponzinibbio told Hablemos MMA in Spanish.
Ponzinibbio (30-9 MMA, 12-8 UFC), a longtime welterweight, returns against Sam Patterson (14-3-1 MMA, 4-2 UFC) on the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 282 (Paramount+) at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ponzinibbio revealed this wasn't the original matchup, but in a way, he's glad he drew a younger opponent, as he gets an opportunity to show he can hang with newer talent.
"I was supposed to fight Jack Hermansson, but he ended up getting injured, and I was offered Patterson," Ponzinibbio said. "It's a much different challenge, but it is still a challenge. It's one of those clashes of generations that the company likes to make, and it's a great opportunity to show that I'm still good and relevant and that I can hang with the new generation. I'm not focused on him. I'm focused on me."
Apart from competing in his 40th fight Saturday, Ponzinibbio is also just weeks away from his 40th birthday. He knows he's reaching the end of his fighting days, but retirement is not something he thinks about much.
#fight #saturday #Opportunity #hang
5 days ago
A lot has changed in Ismael Bonfim's life and career ahead of Saturday's fight with Axel Sola at UFC Abu Dhabi, and he's confident that it will all reflect positively in his performance—and overall health.
Bonfim hasn't entered the octagon since November of 2025, when he stepped on the scale at 161 pounds (five pounds over the non-title limit) for his lightweight bout with Chris Padilla. "Marreta" was stopped late in Round 2, and now tells MMA Fighting that making it into the cage was already a challenge on its own.
"I relied too much on dehydration," Bonfim said of his weigh-in struggle, not a first since joining the UFC. "I got to fight week still needing to lose 22 pounds. I was bringing it down little by little, and on the day of the weight cut I still had 8.8 pounds left. I managed to lose 6.6, but with about 2.2 still to go, I just couldn't do it anymore. I'd stay in the sauna for 30 seconds and my body would already start cramping. I was getting cramps I'd never felt in my life, like cramps in my neck. That's when we decided to stop the weight cut. The previous times I'd made that kind of cut without any issues, so we thought losing 22 pounds during fight week would be manageable, but it wasn't. This time we started working on it much earlier."
Bonfim said "the situation was really bad" when he arrived at the UFC APEX for the official weigh-in and later collapsed before officially missing weight.
"I was standing on the scale, before the official weigh-in, and suddenly got a cramp in my neck," Bonfim said. "I collapsed on the floor and they called the doctor. The doctor checked me and said, 'You're going to be the first one to weigh in.'"
#bonfim #life
Bonfim hasn't entered the octagon since November of 2025, when he stepped on the scale at 161 pounds (five pounds over the non-title limit) for his lightweight bout with Chris Padilla. "Marreta" was stopped late in Round 2, and now tells MMA Fighting that making it into the cage was already a challenge on its own.
"I relied too much on dehydration," Bonfim said of his weigh-in struggle, not a first since joining the UFC. "I got to fight week still needing to lose 22 pounds. I was bringing it down little by little, and on the day of the weight cut I still had 8.8 pounds left. I managed to lose 6.6, but with about 2.2 still to go, I just couldn't do it anymore. I'd stay in the sauna for 30 seconds and my body would already start cramping. I was getting cramps I'd never felt in my life, like cramps in my neck. That's when we decided to stop the weight cut. The previous times I'd made that kind of cut without any issues, so we thought losing 22 pounds during fight week would be manageable, but it wasn't. This time we started working on it much earlier."
Bonfim said "the situation was really bad" when he arrived at the UFC APEX for the official weigh-in and later collapsed before officially missing weight.
"I was standing on the scale, before the official weigh-in, and suddenly got a cramp in my neck," Bonfim said. "I collapsed on the floor and they called the doctor. The doctor checked me and said, 'You're going to be the first one to weigh in.'"
#bonfim #life
5 days ago
ADNOC has approved a $6.2 billion final investment decision to develop the Umm Shaif Gas Cap, marking another step in its strategy to expand natural gas production and liquefied natural gas exports as global demand for gas continues to rise.
The offshore project, located at Abu Dhabi's longest-producing offshore field, is expected to deliver more than 600 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas and ******* ociated gas liquids by 2030. According to ADNOC, that volume is equivalent to nearly 10% of the UAE's current daily gas consumption, supporting domestic energy security while increasing supplies available for international markets.
The development will be carried out alongside ADNOC's concession partners TotalEnergies, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation.
As part of the project, ADNOC awarded three engineering, procurement and construction contracts worth a combined $5.1 billion to consortiums of UAE and international contractors. The company also approved a $365 million drilling program covering 14 wells, which will be executed by ADNOC Drilling over 18 months using three existing rigs.
The investment forms part of ADNOC's broader gas expansion strategy, which seeks to monetize the UAE's vast natural gas resources while growing its global LNG business. The company has previously announced plans to build a global LNG marketing and trading platform and is targeting 47 million tonnes per annum of marketable LNG capacity by 2035.
#natural #million #investment #offshore
The offshore project, located at Abu Dhabi's longest-producing offshore field, is expected to deliver more than 600 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas and ******* ociated gas liquids by 2030. According to ADNOC, that volume is equivalent to nearly 10% of the UAE's current daily gas consumption, supporting domestic energy security while increasing supplies available for international markets.
The development will be carried out alongside ADNOC's concession partners TotalEnergies, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation.
As part of the project, ADNOC awarded three engineering, procurement and construction contracts worth a combined $5.1 billion to consortiums of UAE and international contractors. The company also approved a $365 million drilling program covering 14 wells, which will be executed by ADNOC Drilling over 18 months using three existing rigs.
The investment forms part of ADNOC's broader gas expansion strategy, which seeks to monetize the UAE's vast natural gas resources while growing its global LNG business. The company has previously announced plans to build a global LNG marketing and trading platform and is targeting 47 million tonnes per annum of marketable LNG capacity by 2035.
#natural #million #investment #offshore
5 days ago
Malaysia could return to the Formula One calendar at short notice this year if the Iran conflict causes more problems, specialist website the-race.com reported on Thursday.
In mid-March, Formula One postponed April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the war, reducing the calendar initially from 24 to 22 grands prix.
If the final two races of the year on November 29 in Qatar and on December 6 in Abu Dhabi cannot take place either due to trouble in the Middle East, Formula One bosses are examining further options, the report said.
Before the recent escalation in the Iran conflict, officials had hoped that a Bahrain Grand Prix could be rescheduled on the first weekend in October between races in Azerbaijan and Singapore.
That now looks unlikely with the US and Iran again trading blows, so candidates for a race on October 4 now include Malaysia, the report said, as well as Turkey.
#october #calendar #conflict
In mid-March, Formula One postponed April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to the war, reducing the calendar initially from 24 to 22 grands prix.
If the final two races of the year on November 29 in Qatar and on December 6 in Abu Dhabi cannot take place either due to trouble in the Middle East, Formula One bosses are examining further options, the report said.
Before the recent escalation in the Iran conflict, officials had hoped that a Bahrain Grand Prix could be rescheduled on the first weekend in October between races in Azerbaijan and Singapore.
That now looks unlikely with the US and Iran again trading blows, so candidates for a race on October 4 now include Malaysia, the report said, as well as Turkey.
#october #calendar #conflict
6 days ago
After months of waiting, it’s finally “John Pork” fight week!
Everyone’s favorite viral fighter Magomed Zaynukov is set to make his official promotional debut at UFC Abu Dhabi where he faces fellow newcomer Damian Rzepecki on the main card of Saturday’s Fight Night event. Zaynukov came into the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series, scoring an impressive decision win over Lucas Caldas.
That performance isn’t why Zaynukov has become something of a sensation, though. All the extra attention comes via two unfortunate events: someone making a meme joking that his nickname is “John Pork,” and Zaynukov attacking Dillon Danis in the crowd at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden.
The “John Pork” thing has raised his profile, but it’s clearly an annoyance to Zaynukov, whose real nickname is “Chanko” after his hometown in Dagestan.
“It started back in 2009 when I was beginning my Muay Thai career,” he explained to Anatomy Of A Fight. “At the Dagestan Muay Thai Championships, my coach Ibrahim Khedirov started calling me ‘Chanko.’ I trained under him for nearly 12 years, and the name just stuck. From then on, everyone called me Chanko. Some people even thought it was my real name. Now when people hear ‘Chanko’ they know it’s me.”
#pork #fight #dagestan
Everyone’s favorite viral fighter Magomed Zaynukov is set to make his official promotional debut at UFC Abu Dhabi where he faces fellow newcomer Damian Rzepecki on the main card of Saturday’s Fight Night event. Zaynukov came into the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series, scoring an impressive decision win over Lucas Caldas.
That performance isn’t why Zaynukov has become something of a sensation, though. All the extra attention comes via two unfortunate events: someone making a meme joking that his nickname is “John Pork,” and Zaynukov attacking Dillon Danis in the crowd at UFC 322 in Madison Square Garden.
The “John Pork” thing has raised his profile, but it’s clearly an annoyance to Zaynukov, whose real nickname is “Chanko” after his hometown in Dagestan.
“It started back in 2009 when I was beginning my Muay Thai career,” he explained to Anatomy Of A Fight. “At the Dagestan Muay Thai Championships, my coach Ibrahim Khedirov started calling me ‘Chanko.’ I trained under him for nearly 12 years, and the name just stuck. From then on, everyone called me Chanko. Some people even thought it was my real name. Now when people hear ‘Chanko’ they know it’s me.”
#pork #fight #dagestan
6 days ago
Magomed Ankalaev returns to the cage on Saturday, July 25th to headline a UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi against Bogdan Guskov. We haven’t seen or heard much from Ankalaev since he lost his light heavyweight ****** le to Alex Pereira, dropping his record to 1-1 against his bitter rival.
It’s unclear how much of that rivalry is actually generated by Ankalaev and how much is just”Big Ank,” the disrespectful personality on X (formerly Twitter) that many believe is actually the work of Ankalaev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz. During this week’s media day, Ankalaev explained why he was a man of few words in real life.
“How are people going to know what I am or what I have inside?” Ankalaev said. “I’m a professional fighter, I like to keep my emotions inside. And if there’s no crossing of a specific line, then I come out here and I come out as a professional. But if somebody crosses that line or kind of toes the line, then I’m sure I can show my character as well. Other than that, I like to keep my emotions in, my head cool, and go and do my job.”
Ankalaev recently said he’d be willing to chase Pereira up to heavyweight for a third fight, a comment that “Poatan” seemed to dismiss by commenting “Are you even still alive over there?”
“Alex Pereira must have been sleeping for a long time because I believe he was put to sleep pretty hard,” Ankalaev said, referring to Pereira’s recent knockout loss at the hands of Ciryl Gane. “If you can pass him a message, tell him I’m alive and well, and I’m waiting to see what he can show.”
#pereira #line #heavyweight
It’s unclear how much of that rivalry is actually generated by Ankalaev and how much is just”Big Ank,” the disrespectful personality on X (formerly Twitter) that many believe is actually the work of Ankalaev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz. During this week’s media day, Ankalaev explained why he was a man of few words in real life.
“How are people going to know what I am or what I have inside?” Ankalaev said. “I’m a professional fighter, I like to keep my emotions inside. And if there’s no crossing of a specific line, then I come out here and I come out as a professional. But if somebody crosses that line or kind of toes the line, then I’m sure I can show my character as well. Other than that, I like to keep my emotions in, my head cool, and go and do my job.”
Ankalaev recently said he’d be willing to chase Pereira up to heavyweight for a third fight, a comment that “Poatan” seemed to dismiss by commenting “Are you even still alive over there?”
“Alex Pereira must have been sleeping for a long time because I believe he was put to sleep pretty hard,” Ankalaev said, referring to Pereira’s recent knockout loss at the hands of Ciryl Gane. “If you can pass him a message, tell him I’m alive and well, and I’m waiting to see what he can show.”
#pereira #line #heavyweight
6 days ago
July 21 (Reuters) - A consortium backed by BlackRock and Abu Dhabi-based fund MGX said on Tuesday it has committed an additional $5 billion in growth capital to Aligned Data Centers after closing its $40 billion acquisition of one of the world's biggest data center operators.
The investor group agreed last year to buy Aligned from Australian **** et manager Macquarie **** et Management, as it seeks to secure computing capacity for AI.
Founded in 2013, the Texas-based company builds and operates data centers for hyperscalers and cloud computing companies. It has 51 data center campuses and more than 6.4 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity globally.
Andrew Schaap, chief executive of Aligned Data Centers since 2017, will continue to lead the company.
The group aims to deploy $30 billion of equity capital initially, with the potential of reaching $100 billion, including debt.
#capital
The investor group agreed last year to buy Aligned from Australian **** et manager Macquarie **** et Management, as it seeks to secure computing capacity for AI.
Founded in 2013, the Texas-based company builds and operates data centers for hyperscalers and cloud computing companies. It has 51 data center campuses and more than 6.4 gigawatts of operational and planned capacity globally.
Andrew Schaap, chief executive of Aligned Data Centers since 2017, will continue to lead the company.
The group aims to deploy $30 billion of equity capital initially, with the potential of reaching $100 billion, including debt.
#capital
7 days ago
Three years, seven months and 21 days.
That is how long it took for Manchester City to win their first Premier League ****** le following the club's takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.
Memories of such a relatively swift transformation were still fresh in the minds of top-flight executives after Newcastle United's Saudi-led buyout in 2021.
"There was quite a lot of fear in the other clubs because they thought it was going to be another Manchester City," a source said.
The reality proved a little different.
#memories
That is how long it took for Manchester City to win their first Premier League ****** le following the club's takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008.
Memories of such a relatively swift transformation were still fresh in the minds of top-flight executives after Newcastle United's Saudi-led buyout in 2021.
"There was quite a lot of fear in the other clubs because they thought it was going to be another Manchester City," a source said.
The reality proved a little different.
#memories
15 days ago
Paulo Costa is itching to keep his momentum rolling in the UFC light heavyweight division. Yet it hasn't been easy to find the right fight for the final fight of his contract.
In a recent social media tirade, Costa, 35, vented his frustrations over being sidelined. "Borrachinha" last fought in March, when he scored an impressive knockout of the previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov. The layoff has tested the patience of the Brazilian contender.
Speaking in-studio in Las Vegas on Monday's edition of "The Ariel Helwani Show," Costa revealed he was contacted about replacing Khalil Rountree Jr. in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event on July 25 against Magomed Ankalaev. Instead, Costa declined what would've been the final fight of his deal, prompting Bogdan Guskov to take Rountree's place.
"I'm looking for a fight, but not a short-notice, five-round fight in Abu Dhabi," Costa told Uncrowned. "They offered that fight just to get a no as an answer from me. They extended [my contract] for six months [because of that]. I think there were some misunderstandings and mistakes — I don't understand exactly how they configure these things, and extensions and stuff. I'm not a lawyer. You need to know the small letters on the contract stuff. But I'm a fighter. I just fight.
"Dana White and [UFC CBO] Hunter [Campbell] came up to me after my last fight and said, 'I think this is the biggest victory of your career.' Maybe. And now, nothing's happened.
In a recent social media tirade, Costa, 35, vented his frustrations over being sidelined. "Borrachinha" last fought in March, when he scored an impressive knockout of the previously unbeaten Azamat Murzakanov. The layoff has tested the patience of the Brazilian contender.
Speaking in-studio in Las Vegas on Monday's edition of "The Ariel Helwani Show," Costa revealed he was contacted about replacing Khalil Rountree Jr. in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event on July 25 against Magomed Ankalaev. Instead, Costa declined what would've been the final fight of his deal, prompting Bogdan Guskov to take Rountree's place.
"I'm looking for a fight, but not a short-notice, five-round fight in Abu Dhabi," Costa told Uncrowned. "They offered that fight just to get a no as an answer from me. They extended [my contract] for six months [because of that]. I think there were some misunderstandings and mistakes — I don't understand exactly how they configure these things, and extensions and stuff. I'm not a lawyer. You need to know the small letters on the contract stuff. But I'm a fighter. I just fight.
"Dana White and [UFC CBO] Hunter [Campbell] came up to me after my last fight and said, 'I think this is the biggest victory of your career.' Maybe. And now, nothing's happened.
15 days ago
Magomed Ankalaev has a new opponent for his UFC Abu Dhabi headlining bout.
The UFC announced Monday that Ankalaev (20-2-1, 1 NC) is now set to fight Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1), who steps in for Khalil Rountree in the July 25 main event, which takes place at Etihad Arena. The reason for Rountree's withdrawal was not disclosed, though according to Ankalaev, Rountree pulled out with an injury.
Guskov was previously scheduled to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1, but that fight is off the schedule once again after previously being postponed from UFC 328 due to a Blachowicz injury.
Following Monday's announcement, Blachowicz released a statement claiming he was the first choice to step in for Rountree, but didn't think he could make the light heavyweight limit in time, so Guskov was selected instead. He still aims to stay on the UFC Belgrade card.
A quick updated about my upcoming bout.
The UFC announced Monday that Ankalaev (20-2-1, 1 NC) is now set to fight Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1), who steps in for Khalil Rountree in the July 25 main event, which takes place at Etihad Arena. The reason for Rountree's withdrawal was not disclosed, though according to Ankalaev, Rountree pulled out with an injury.
Guskov was previously scheduled to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1, but that fight is off the schedule once again after previously being postponed from UFC 328 due to a Blachowicz injury.
Following Monday's announcement, Blachowicz released a statement claiming he was the first choice to step in for Rountree, but didn't think he could make the light heavyweight limit in time, so Guskov was selected instead. He still aims to stay on the UFC Belgrade card.
A quick updated about my upcoming bout.
20 days ago
PE dealmaking in Europe defied a shaky macroeconomic backdrop in the second quarter of this year, putting 2026 on pace for one of the strongest years in the market's history—with caveats attached.
In PitchBook's Q2 2026 European PE Breakdown, much of that headline strength is concentrated in a handful of very large transactions rather than broad-based momentum. Just 22 mega-exits accounted for 65.8% of the total exit value of €157.6 billion (about $180.1 billion) in Q2—well above the decade average.
Having recently returned from SuperReturn International in Berlin, one of Europe's largest PE conferences, our research team remains firmly convinced Europe is best placed to attract LP capital over the medium term.
The continent is fragmented, offers lower entry multiples than the US, and generates genuine alpha opportunities—and in an environment where value creation has replaced financial engineering, that's increasingly attractive.
Much of the exit concentration has been in Germany. Advent International and Cinven's €29.4 billion sale of TK Elevator to Finland's Kone, alongside the Nasdaq listing of Innio—a maker of power generation equipment backed by Advent and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority—pushed the country's exit value to a record high. Concentration of this kind can flatter the aggregate.
In PitchBook's Q2 2026 European PE Breakdown, much of that headline strength is concentrated in a handful of very large transactions rather than broad-based momentum. Just 22 mega-exits accounted for 65.8% of the total exit value of €157.6 billion (about $180.1 billion) in Q2—well above the decade average.
Having recently returned from SuperReturn International in Berlin, one of Europe's largest PE conferences, our research team remains firmly convinced Europe is best placed to attract LP capital over the medium term.
The continent is fragmented, offers lower entry multiples than the US, and generates genuine alpha opportunities—and in an environment where value creation has replaced financial engineering, that's increasingly attractive.
Much of the exit concentration has been in Germany. Advent International and Cinven's €29.4 billion sale of TK Elevator to Finland's Kone, alongside the Nasdaq listing of Innio—a maker of power generation equipment backed by Advent and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority—pushed the country's exit value to a record high. Concentration of this kind can flatter the aggregate.
20 days ago
By Nate Raymond
BOSTON, July 7 (Reuters) - The founder and chief executive of an AI startup secretly pleaded guilty last year to participating in a vast scheme in which attorneys at major law firms tipped traders about mergers their employers were advising on.
Court records unsealed on Monday show that Arya Bolurfrushan, a former Goldman Sachs banker who founded Abu Dhabi-based AppliedAI, pleaded guilty in June 2025 after striking a deal with federal prosecutors in Boston who were working to build cases against dozens of other people accused of participating in the long-running insider trading scheme.
Those individuals include Nicolo Nourafchan, who had worked at the law firms Sidley Austin, Latham & Watkins and Goodwin Procter before prosecutors in May unveiled charges against him and 29 other people accused of engaging in a scheme to profit from confidential information about mergers underway.
Bolurfrushan pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit securities fraud in a plea agreement where prosecutors agreed to recommend that he be sentenced to two years in prison and forfeit $954,496 he derived from the scheme.
BOSTON, July 7 (Reuters) - The founder and chief executive of an AI startup secretly pleaded guilty last year to participating in a vast scheme in which attorneys at major law firms tipped traders about mergers their employers were advising on.
Court records unsealed on Monday show that Arya Bolurfrushan, a former Goldman Sachs banker who founded Abu Dhabi-based AppliedAI, pleaded guilty in June 2025 after striking a deal with federal prosecutors in Boston who were working to build cases against dozens of other people accused of participating in the long-running insider trading scheme.
Those individuals include Nicolo Nourafchan, who had worked at the law firms Sidley Austin, Latham & Watkins and Goodwin Procter before prosecutors in May unveiled charges against him and 29 other people accused of engaging in a scheme to profit from confidential information about mergers underway.
Bolurfrushan pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit securities fraud in a plea agreement where prosecutors agreed to recommend that he be sentenced to two years in prison and forfeit $954,496 he derived from the scheme.
20 days ago
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has finalised a 15-year sales and purchase agreement (SPA) to supply one million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Inpex from the Ruwais LNG project.
Located in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi, the Ruwais LNG project is due to begin commercial operations in 2028.
With this contract, long-term commitments now cover more than 90% of Ruwais LNG's projected 9.6mtpa production capacity. ****** anese customers account for nearly 23% of this committed volume.
The announcement took place during a visit to ****** an by the United Arab Emirates' Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sultan Al Jaber, who also serves as ADNOC managing director and group CEO and XRG executive chairman.
Ruwais LNG is expected to become the first LNG export plant in the Middle East and Africa region to run on clean power.
Located in Al Ruwais Industrial City, Abu Dhabi, the Ruwais LNG project is due to begin commercial operations in 2028.
With this contract, long-term commitments now cover more than 90% of Ruwais LNG's projected 9.6mtpa production capacity. ****** anese customers account for nearly 23% of this committed volume.
The announcement took place during a visit to ****** an by the United Arab Emirates' Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sultan Al Jaber, who also serves as ADNOC managing director and group CEO and XRG executive chairman.
Ruwais LNG is expected to become the first LNG export plant in the Middle East and Africa region to run on clean power.
21 days ago
The Private Department of Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan has announced an investment of $1.13bn (Dh4.14bn) in MidOcean Energy.
Based in the US, MidOcean Energy is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company established and managed by EIG.
Alongside the investment, the Private Department and EIG have formed a strategic partnership aimed at capital aggregation, sourcing investments and developing institutional investment prospects within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and certain other regional markets.
This marks the Private Department's foray into the global LNG sector, coinciding with the start of a wider strategic collaboration with EIG, a company specialising in global energy and infrastructure investments.
EIG CEO and MidOcean Energy chairman R. Blair Thomas said: "We are pleased to establish a strategic partnership with the Private Department.
Based in the US, MidOcean Energy is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company established and managed by EIG.
Alongside the investment, the Private Department and EIG have formed a strategic partnership aimed at capital aggregation, sourcing investments and developing institutional investment prospects within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and certain other regional markets.
This marks the Private Department's foray into the global LNG sector, coinciding with the start of a wider strategic collaboration with EIG, a company specialising in global energy and infrastructure investments.
EIG CEO and MidOcean Energy chairman R. Blair Thomas said: "We are pleased to establish a strategic partnership with the Private Department.
24 days ago
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts to his win over Jack Della Maddalena of Australia in the UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
The next UFC ******* le fights take place at UFC 330. That event, which is scheduled for August 15 at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, will see two UFC belts on the line. In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev faces Ian Machado Garry. Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern puts her strawweight ******* le on the line against Gillian Robertson. The UFC recently officially confirmed 10 fights for the upcoming fight card.
Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry
Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson
Neil Magny vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
Jalin Turner vs. Kauê Fernandes
Geoff Neal vs. Chidi Njokuani
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
Jeremiah Wells vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore
Edson Barboza vs. Esteban Ribovics
Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
FORBES | By Trent Reinsmith
UFC 329: Fight Card Order Set For McGregor Vs. Holloway 2
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts after his knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The next UFC ******* le fights take place at UFC 330. That event, which is scheduled for August 15 at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, will see two UFC belts on the line. In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev faces Ian Machado Garry. Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Mackenzie Dern puts her strawweight ******* le on the line against Gillian Robertson. The UFC recently officially confirmed 10 fights for the upcoming fight card.
Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry
Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson
Neil Magny vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
Jalin Turner vs. Kauê Fernandes
Geoff Neal vs. Chidi Njokuani
Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus
Jeremiah Wells vs. Myktybek Orolbai
Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore
Edson Barboza vs. Esteban Ribovics
Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
FORBES | By Trent Reinsmith
UFC 329: Fight Card Order Set For McGregor Vs. Holloway 2
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts after his knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in the UFC lightweight championship fight during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
25 days ago
Previously, we reported that Abu Dhabi's flagship crude, Murban crude, has rapidly risen to prominence, with Murban crude futures having rapidly evolved from a regional benchmark into a primary global pricing standard. Known for its high API gravity and low sulfur content, Murban serves as a globally recognized energy benchmark traded on the ICE Futures Abu Dhabi (IFAD) exchange. By offering continuous screen-trading, deep liquidity and the removal of destination restrictions, Murban has bypassed older, restricted benchmarks like Platts Dubai, introducing unprecedented transparency and price discovery to Middle Eastern crude.
However, the Middle East conflict has upended oil market dynamics, giving Asian refiners a distinctive advantage.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) is now transitioning the Official Selling Prices (OSPs) for its three offshore crude grades--Upper Zakum, Das, and Umm Lulu--from a differential against Murban futures to a differential against the Dubai benchmark. This change will apply to prompt cargoes loading two months ahead, while the flagship Murban crude remains tied to Murban futures.
ADNOC's decision to price its offshore crude grades against the Dubai benchmark instead of Murban corrects a structural economic distortion that has penalized buyers for years. Murban is a premium, light-sweet crude grade, whereas the offshore grades—Upper Zakum, Das, and Umm Lulu—are medium-sour barrels, yielding completely different product slates.
During the height of the U.S.-Iran conflict, extreme market backwardation and sudden premium demand for light ends caused front-month Murban futures on the IFAD exchange to surge. Because Upper Zakum and Das were priced as a differential pegged directly to Murban, these medium-sour barrels became artificially and prohibitively expensive for Asian refiners, completely detached from their actual physical market fundamentals. By shifting the offshore grades to a Dubai-linked formula—the undisputed global baseline for medium-sour crude—ADNOC is realigning these crudes with their true physical peers, such as Oman and Qatar's Al-Shaheen.
However, the Middle East conflict has upended oil market dynamics, giving Asian refiners a distinctive advantage.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) is now transitioning the Official Selling Prices (OSPs) for its three offshore crude grades--Upper Zakum, Das, and Umm Lulu--from a differential against Murban futures to a differential against the Dubai benchmark. This change will apply to prompt cargoes loading two months ahead, while the flagship Murban crude remains tied to Murban futures.
ADNOC's decision to price its offshore crude grades against the Dubai benchmark instead of Murban corrects a structural economic distortion that has penalized buyers for years. Murban is a premium, light-sweet crude grade, whereas the offshore grades—Upper Zakum, Das, and Umm Lulu—are medium-sour barrels, yielding completely different product slates.
During the height of the U.S.-Iran conflict, extreme market backwardation and sudden premium demand for light ends caused front-month Murban futures on the IFAD exchange to surge. Because Upper Zakum and Das were priced as a differential pegged directly to Murban, these medium-sour barrels became artificially and prohibitively expensive for Asian refiners, completely detached from their actual physical market fundamentals. By shifting the offshore grades to a Dubai-linked formula—the undisputed global baseline for medium-sour crude—ADNOC is realigning these crudes with their true physical peers, such as Oman and Qatar's Al-Shaheen.