While Manchester City were struggling to beat Brighton at home on Saturday, their main-man Kevin de Bruyne was in Saudi Arabia enjoying the spectacles of watching live MMA.
Kevin de Bruyne and Zlatan Ibrahimović present at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi
The UFC put together a spectacular card in Saudi Arabia with a double-header banger featuring a last-minute bout between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev, as well as another last-minute championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev.
WAKE UP - #UFC294 IS HERE
Prelims: 10amET / 7amPT on ESPN+
Main Card: 2pmET / 11amPT on ESPN+ PPV[ #InAbuDhabi | @inAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/G6LQCMU4iv
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
It was an impossible-to-miss event for every MMA fan… and Kevin de Bruyne.
During the course of the pay-per-view live stream, soccer fans watching were surprised to see that none other than Kevin de Bruyne was present in the Etihad Arena in first row ready to enjoy from the event.
The Belgian magician went to Abu Dhabi to be in the presence of all the action in the octagon for UFC 294.
Kevin De Bruyne is watching the UFC tonight! pic.twitter.com/RXUyLoq1wu
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 21, 2023
Kevin De Bruyne at the UFC pic.twitter.com/8uz3HmmuMP
— 17 (@DxBruyneSZN) October 21, 2023
Kevin De Bruyne enjoying his time watching the UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi! pic.twitter.com/ruHI0S9dYP
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 21, 2023
“This guy knows a thing or two about striking!” said the UFC on X.
This guy knows a thing or two about striking! ⚽
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 21, 2023
KDB wasn’t the only familiar face in the stands for soccer fans, though.
Zlatan Ibrahimović also made an appearance at the event, mainly to support his friend and fighter, Khamzat Chimaev who won his match after beating Kamaru Usman in a majority decision.
THIS GUY #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/uTPBB7wNNw
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 21, 2023
Zlatan linking up with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev pic.twitter.com/j6Sp9ebuOo
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) June 23, 2023