In July 2020, the UFC ventured to Yas Island —a tourist destination in Abu Dhabi, UAE — for a four-event showcase dubbed ‘Fight Island.’ The series of events featured exciting bouts, a handful of controversies, and even saw the rise of breakout star, Khamzat Chimaev.
Chimaev, a Chechen native living in Sweden, competed twice during Fight Island showcase, finishing both of his opponents in spectacular fashion. He submitted John Phillips in his UFC debut at the UFC on ESPN 13 event, and later knocked out Rhys McKee at UFC on ESPN 14 just 10 days later.