Teixeira, 42, who holds the UFC all-time records for most submissions and finishes in the light heavyweight division, was scheduled to face BÅ‚achowicz on September 25 at UFC 266, but the fight took been postponed and moved to Saturday.
BÅ‚achowicz will make his second title defense, having defeated Israel Adesanya in March by unanimous decision, in this is Teixeira’s second chance at a UFC title.
Both fighters had no problem hitting their weight for the weigh-in and the stage is set for a successful fight between the top two fighters in the division.
In the fight before the main event, a much-anticipated rematch between current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and former champion Petr Yan was expected following their dramatic fight earlier this year, when Sterling won the title by disqualification.
However, the American withdrew citing a lingering neck issue, so Cory Sandhagen stepped in to face the Russian in what will determine the interim bantamweight champion.
Yan’s loss to Sterling last time was only the second in his career, and he’ll look to get back on the winning streak when he steps into the ring against Sandhagen.
Sandhagen has never fought for a UFC title belt, despite the 29-year-old being No.3 in the UFC bantamweight rankings.
The UFC has been holding events in Abu Dhabi due to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting restrictions.
In June of last year, UFC President Dana White chose Yas Island to ensure a safe environment, where the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has cordoned off the nearly 25 km² island, which included an arena, hotel, training facilities and catering establishments.
The main card is expected to start at 2 p.m. ET, with the preliminary card starting at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Here’s how to watch Saturday’s hit event
Africa: SuperSport Action
Australia: Main Event / Fetch TV / Kayo
Canada: BELL / Rogers / Shaw / SaskTel / Videotron / Telus / Eastlink
France: RMC2
Germany: DAZN
India: Sony TEN 1 / Sony TEN 2 / Sony TEN 3 / Sony LIV
Indonesia: Fox Sports
Italy: DAZN
Middle East: AD Fight / Starzplay / UFC Arabia
Philippines: Fox Sports
Republic of Ireland: BT Sport 2
Singapore: Fox Sports / Fox +
Spain: DAZN
Thailand: Fox Sports
UK: BT Sport 2
United States: ESPN +
