Abu Dhabi is preparing for another huge UFC Fight Night as the Octagon returns to Etihad Arena this July
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for another major UFC showdown this summer. UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi will return to bring the live MMA action to Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, July 25, 2026, bringing another packed night of action back to the capital.
Some of the UFC’s biggest names will step into the Octagon for a stacked night of fights, giving fans the chance to soak up the electric atmosphere of a live UFC event in Abu Dhabi.
In the main event, light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev faces knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr in a blockbuster headline showdown. Umar Nurmagomedov also returns to take on David Martinez in another highly anticipated matchup.
As of now, there have been 22 UFC events hosted in Abu Dhabi since 2010, with fans heading to Yas Island from all around the world.
Tickets are now on sale on ticketmaster.ae for a starting price of Dhs295.
Do note that while there is no age restriction, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 21. Children under the age of two are not required to purchase a ticket if sitting on an adult’s lap.
Over the past few years, Abu Dhabi has become one of the sport’s most recognisable homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fight Island transformed Yas Island into the centre of the MMA world, with fighters, coaches and fans all descending on the capital while much of global sport stood still.
Since then, UFC’s Abu Dhabi events have continued pulling crowds to Etihad Arena. Last year’s UFC Fight Night featuring Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder delivered a packed arena and one of the city’s loudest sporting nights of the year. UFC 321 later followed during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, with heavyweight contenders Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane headlining the card.
The upcoming July event adds to Abu Dhabi’s already packed sporting calendar, which continues attracting major global events across Formula 1, NBA, golf and combat sports.
Images: Supplied
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