The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the leading global mixed martial arts organization, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced its return to Abu Dhabi for a thrilling UFC Fight Night. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, at the Etihad Arena, marking it as the second major UFC event in the UAE capital within a year.
Anticipation is building for the yet-to-be-revealed fight lineup, promising a night filled with exciting matchups between international and local MMA fighters. This event will be the 18th UFC event held in Abu Dhabi, a relationship that dates back to UFC 112: INVINCIBLE in April 2010.
The previous event, UFC 294: MAKHACHEV vs VOLKANOVSKI 2, saw a packed Etihad Arena where fans witnessed Islam Makhachev defend his lightweight title against Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion who accepted the fight on short notice. This event not only showcased high-level MMA but also highlighted the growth of the sport in the UAE, evidenced by the signing and debut of Mohammad Yahya, the first Emirati athlete in the UFC, at the same event.
UFC President Dana White expressed his admiration for Abu Dhabi, noting its appeal as an extraordinary global city and a prime destination for fight enthusiasts. He encouraged fans to experience the vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, and unique experiences Abu Dhabi offers before enjoying the spectacular fight night.
H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, the Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, echoed the excitement for hosting another UFC Fight Night, emphasizing Abu Dhabi's emerging status as a worldwide sports event hub. He highlighted the event's role in attracting MMA fans globally to Abu Dhabi and strengthening the city's reputation as a premier destination for combat sports through ongoing collaborations with the UFC.