UFC 280 press conference: Start time and how to watch it

UFC 280 is set to be one of the biggest pay-per-view events of the year. It features an exciting main card and two championships are at stake in the main event and co-main event.

The event will be staged at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, also known as 'Fight Island', where the promotion started conducting several events during the COVID-19 pandemic. A glimpse into the mind of the star-studded lineup of fighters will be at the customary press conference.

The press conference will be held on Thursday, October 20th at the Etihad Arena. It will begin at 6:00 pm Gulf Standard Time (+4 GMT) and will feature the entirety of the main card and two fighters from the preliminary card. The event will be free and open to the public.

Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev, Aljamain Sterling, TJ Dillashaw, Petr Yan, Sean O'Malley, Beneil Dariush, Mateusz Gamrot, Katlyn Chookagian, Manon Fiorot, Belal Muhammad, and Sean Brady will all be present for the press conference.

Fans can watch the press conference on the official UFC website. The press conference will also be streamed live on all corresponding YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Instagram accounts.

UFC 280 press conference poster. [Courtesy: ufc.com]

A whole host of programs are lined up in the build-up to fight night to cater to the fans in Abu Dhabi. These include multiple fan experiences, an open workout featuring all the top fighters, and a meet and greet with Joanna Jedrzejczyk.

Check out the complete itinerary of events organized for fight week:

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Charles Oliveira believes Islam Makhachev wouldn't be in the UFC 280 main event if not for Khabib Nurmagomedov

The main event of UFC 280 is a blockbuster lightweight clash between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. Former champion Oliveira is determined to reclaim his belt while Makhachev is looking to prove himself worthy of being a champion.

Ahead of the fight, Oliveira spoke about Makhachev in an Embedded Series vlog and asserted that the fight would not have gone ahead if not for former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. 'The Eagle' is a long-time teammate and now coach of Makhachev's.

Oliveira said:

"I think we have to respect my opponent. Islam is coming with a 10-fight win streak. He is very smart with his game. However, I think he's been surfing a wave that is not his, but Khabib's. That's the truth. This match is happening because Khabib made it happen. Not by Islam's own merit."

He continued:

"Because in my opinion, he should be fighting against a top five contender. Who's the ranked contender that Islam has fought? No one! On the other hand, my 11 victories were against 11 good fighters, complete MMA fighters. I fought all of the top five. Standing or on the ground. I knocked them out, submitted them. Of the 11 victories, only one was by decision."

Check out the full Embedded vlog on YouTube: