Roy Nelson vs Big Nog Headlines The UFCs Return to Abu Dhabi

Roy Nelson vs Big Nog Headlines UFCs Return to Abu Dhabi
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

The UFC will return to Abu Dhabi in April with a headline bout between heavyweights Roy Nelson and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Although a venue have yet to be confirmed, UFC Abu Dhabi is expected to take place on April 11, and is believed to be a UFC Fight Night Show which will stream on the UFC's digital network, UFC Fight Pass.

The UFC has not visited Abu Dhabi since 2010s UFC 112. The event saw Anderson Silva toy with fellow Brazilian Demian Maia over 5 rounds to defend the middleweight title in the main event, and Frankie Edgar overthrow B.J Penn to claim the UFC Lightweight title.

Currently on a 2 fight losing streak, former IFL Champion Roy Nelson (19-9 MMA, 6-5 UFCs) enters the bout looking to get back to winning ways having had a 3 fight win-streak snapped by Stipe Moicic at UFC 161. The 37-year old followed that loss up with a loss to ex-Olympian Daniel Cormier at UFC 166. The bout will mark Nelson's first time fighting outside of the US since his 2007 BodogFight bout with Mario Rinaldi.

Nogueira (34-8-1 MMA, 5-4 UFC) also 37, enters the bout having alternated wins and losses since winning the UFC interim heavyweight title in 2008. Also a former Pride champion, has not fought since June 2013s loss to Fabricio Wedrum, and with an average of 1 fight per year due to injury problems, Nogueira might find himself needing a win to remain in the UFC.

Additional bouts for UFC Abu Dhabi are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned to KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest news on the UFCs return to Abu Dhabi.