The Octagon returns to Yas Island on 25 July for another night of top-level mixed martial arts at Etihad Arena.
Abu Dhabi has been one of UFC’s most important destinations since the two first joined forces in 2010, and that relationship shows no signs of slowing down. The latest chapter comes on Saturday, 25 July, when UFC Fight Night lands at Etihad Arena on Yas Island for another night of top-level mixed martial arts.
The history between UFC and Yas Island is a long one. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down most of the world, Abu Dhabi stepped in to host Fight Island, a series of events that kept the sport running and introduced the emirate to a global audience of hundreds of millions. Some of the sport’s most memorable moments have taken place here since, including Khabib Nurmagomedov submitting Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, Max Holloway’s extraordinary dismantling of Calvin Kattar in January 2021, and Alexander Volkanovski’s back-to-back victories over Holloway during the Fight Island era.
More recently, Reinier De Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker in last July’s Fight Night, while UFC 321 in October last year saw Mackenzie Dern claim the vacant strawweight title against Virna Jandiroba in front of a packed Etihad Arena.
The full fight card is yet to be announced, but fans can register their interest for tickets now at VisitAbuDhabi.ae, where hotel and ticket packages for travelling fans are also available.
This summer’s event will be UFC’s 23rd visit to Abu Dhabi. Dana White has previously described the emirate as “part of the UFC’s DNA,” and with a track record like that, it’s hard to argue.
Discover: UFC Fight Night is heading back to Etihad Arena this July. @yasisland @ufc @etihadarena.ae.