UFC fighters Whittaker and De Ridder prepare for headline clash in Abu Dhabi
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Khaleej Times
2 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Morning runs, ice workouts: How UAE residents are staying fit, beating summer heat
From changing their exercise timings to trying out new activities, UAE fitness enthusiasts are experimenting with their workouts this summer. As UAE summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°, some individuals have opted to run before dawn, while others participate in activities such as ice baths. Former international sprinter Daniel Oderinde, an athletics coach and runner based in Dubai, has observed a significant shift in workout routines preferences during the summer. "I've noticed, both in my training and when coaching others, that the heat doesn't mean people stop, it just means they change when and how they train,' he said. He said that he often runs early in the morning or later in the evening. 'I often move runs to early mornings before the sun is fully out, like the Grey Days 5K social runs hosted with New Balance or opt for evening sessions after work when it's a bit cooler," he said. "On days when the heat is unbearable, I take my runs indoors to the treadmill to stay on track safely." He added that this shift during summer months required more planning. 'An early morning run means prioritising sleep the night before and staying hydrated in advance,' he said. 'Evening sessions require planning meals and water intake carefully throughout the day to avoid cramping and ensure my body is fuelled to perform." Marked shift in workout routine According to Julien Khoury, founder of Dubai wellness centre Breasy, they have seen a "distinct shift" in workout preferences as the warmer months approach. "There's a growing inclination towards early morning starts to fully capitalise on the cooler hours before the sun reaches its peak," she said. "Also, as the day winds down, we see a strong pull towards later evening sessions." She said that Breasy had responded to this demand by adjusting timings and offering a relaxed schedule. "For our outdoor offerings like yoga sessions, gym workouts, and run club, we've moved to earlier morning starts,' she said. 'Our sunset and evening sessions now begin slightly later, always culminating with an invigorating cold plunge. We also understand that summer brings a natural ebb and flow with holidays, so we've adopted a more relaxed and reduced schedule. This flexibility ensures our community members can travel and return without missing a beat. For example, our popular floating breathwork sessions at Aura Skypool are now running bi-weekly through the summer.' Workouts with ice Fitness company GymNation took advantage of the summer months by offering a one-of-a-kind workout session at one of its branches. The 'Coolest Class in Dubai' fitness experience, which was offered at the Motor City branch every Saturday in July, included workouts with ice and fans. One of the activities, Blizzard Sprints, required participants to run on treadmills against giant fans. The Polar Push involved sledge pushes with ice blocks, and the Glacier Grip challenge included ice-bucket farmer carries. According to Rory McEntee, the company's Chief Marketing Officer, the response to these unique classes was 'overwhelmingly positive' and the sessions may be extended. 'Classes have booked out so quickly that we've implemented a ballot system to keep it fair and give as many people as possible the chance to participate,' he said. 'Considering this demand, we're already exploring options to increase capacity and run additional sessions to meet interest.'
Al Etihad
9 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UFC mulls regional series for Middle East fighters
27 July 2025 23:33 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Reinier de Ridder claimed the biggest victory of his MMA career on Saturday night, outpointing former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the headline bout of UFC Fight Night at the Etihad Arena. The shock result capped an action-packed 12-fight card and ended with renewed optimism about the sport's growth in the Gulf UFC's Senior Vice-President, David Shaw, confirmed post-event that the promotion is actively exploring the idea of launching a regional feeder programme in some shape or name, like a 'Road to UFC (RTU) or a challenger series of some sorts or anything else.' The concept could open new pathways for aspiring fighters from the Middle East and surrounding countries.'A concept like RTU would make a lot of sense, I think,' Shaw said. 'Even this season, it's the first time we've added non-Asian athletes. We had Kiwis and Aussies in the mix, so opening that up to fighters from the Middle East or Gulf countries is very much in the conversation. But no definitive plans yet.'Shaw suggested that such a move would align with the UFC's broader strategy of expanding its global footprint through off-prime events tailored to regional time zones. 'We've talked about our eight off-prime events – six of which are generally aligned with the UK, Europe, and Middle East time zones. There are a lot of great countries that we've been to before and hope to revisit,' he said. Inside the octagon, Dutchman de Ridder proved a dominant force against the heavily favoured Whittaker, controlling the pace to earn a split decision. The result raised questions about Whittaker's future in the division and boosted de Ridder's case for a title run. It was to be the beginning of the end for Whittaker, but the end seemed to have come at the start of the American's one last-ditch comeback mission to reclaim the middleweight division title. Despite his last match ending in defeat – in ugly fashion with three of his teeth taken out – Whittaker was the sentimental favourite purely on his vast it was the fairly raw Ridder who fought smart against Whittaker. Having appeared in five fights in exactly a year, starting from Abu Dhabi this time last year, De Ridder took a heavy beating in the third round, but pinned down Whittaker in the next two rounds into submission while landing small but consistent jabs with more ground control time.'I will be relaxing for a couple weeks and then we'll see [who could be a possible next rival],' said de Ridder. 'But we will see what happens. There's a lot going on in the middleweight division in the next couple of weeks.'De Ridder acknowledged Abu Dhabi's role in clearing him from the legal battle with his former promotion ONE Championship while notching his fourth successive victory in UFC since his debut. 'Habibi. Abu Dhabi. Shukran. I love you guys,' he said immediately after the fight. 'I'm a top-five fighter in the world, I guess. That's crazy. Who can believe it? And in one year! I think I have a good chance fighting for the title someday soon,' he UAE connection had a bitter-sweet evening as Emirati lightweight Mohammad Yahya lost to Stephen Nguyen, the latter notching up a record six knockdowns and earning the Fight of the Night award as a bonus. Still, Shaw acknowledged the need for structured development platforms in the region to take some shape, like the Road to UFC. The UAE, for instance, held a Showdown Week, which included a dual card 61&62 of the UAE Warriors promotion while introducing an inter-continental title between African and Arab fighters. The UAE's Al Ain region is hosting back-to-back the MMA Youth World Championship and the World Grappling Championship. While talks are ongoing, Shaw confirmed that it is part of the agenda for the UFC team behind an ever-evolving schedule. 'It's reasonable to think it's possible,' he said. 'When we are back to the war room every Tuesday, I'm sure Dana [White, president] and the crew will figure it out.'
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE Team Emirates' Pogacar wins Tour de France title
Slovenian Tadej Pogacar of the UAE Team Emirates won his fourth Tour de France title after finishing safe in the final stage won by Belgian Wout van Aert on Sunday. Two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark took second place overall with German Florian Lipowitz finishing third.
