Mounir Lazzez (10-1) got his UFC debut after a friend pushed his highlight reel under UFC President Dana White’s nose in a Dubai restaurant. White was so impressed with the footage that Lazzez ended up getting signed for a bout on UFC Fight Island 1: Kattar vs. Ige.
On Yas Island, UAE Lazzez met Abdul Razak Alhassan, who was returning from a two year lay-off. Alhassan had been out of action because he was standing trial for rape in Texas. Alhassan was found not guilty and cleared of all charges.
Lazzez and Alhassan earned Fight of the Night bonuses for their action-packed welterweight contest.