The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to bring another thrilling event to the Middle East as UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 takes center stage at the Etihad Arena on July 26, 2025. This highly anticipated UFC Fight Night will mark the organization’s return to Abu Dhabi, continuing the city’s tradition of hosting world-class mixed martial arts events. With a passionate fan base, a spectacular venue, and an exciting fight card, UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event this summer.
As the UFC strengthens its presence in the region, Abu Dhabi remains a premier destination for top-tier combat sports. In 2024, the city hosted two major UFC events, including a Fight Night in August and UFC 308 in October, where Ilia Topuria retained his featherweight title with a knockout victory over Max Holloway. With UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 set to deliver another unforgettable night of action, fans can expect high-stakes matchups and electrifying performances inside the Octagon.
UFC Abu Dhabi 2025: Event Date
It’s official: UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 will take place on July 26, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This event marks another exciting chapter in the UFC’s growing legacy in the Middle East, bringing world-class MMA action to one of the sport’s most passionate fan bases. Following the massive success of past events, including UFC 308 in 2024, this Fight Night is expected to draw thousands of fans eager to witness elite competition inside the Octagon.
The fight card is already generating excitement, with rumors circulating about a thrilling lightweight showdown between top contender Mateusz Gamrot and rising Dagestani star Arman Tsarukyan. With both fighters vying for a future title shot, this matchup promises fireworks. More fights are set to be announced in the coming weeks, building further anticipation for the event.
With its prime summer date, UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 aligns perfectly with the region’s continued expansion into global combat sports. As fight week approaches, demand for tickets is expected to soar, making it essential for fans to stay updated on sales and availability.
UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 Fight Card
UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 is set to deliver an action-packed night of MMA inside the Etihad Arena, a venue that has hosted some of the most memorable UFC moments in recent years. With its electric atmosphere, star-studded audience, and deep-rooted connection to the sport, Abu Dhabi has become a premier destination for high-profile UFC events.
Headlining the card is an epic welterweight battle between former champion Kamaru Usman and the relentless contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. Usman, looking to reclaim his status as a dominant force in the division, will face a dangerous challenge in Rakhmonov, who remains undefeated in the UFC and has finished all his opponents in spectacular fashion.
In the co-main event, the spotlight shifts to the middleweight division as rising sensation Ikram Aliskerov takes on former title challenger Paulo Costa. Aliskerov, a highly touted Dagestani prospect, aims to cement his place among the elite, while Costa looks to bounce back into title contention with a statement victory.
The rest of the card promises to deliver thrilling action across multiple weight classes. Here’s a look at some of the anticipated matchups:
- Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mateusz Gamrot 2 (Lightweight Bout) – A highly anticipated rematch between two of the division’s best grapplers.
- Jack Della Maddalena vs. Vicente Luque (Welterweight Bout) – An explosive striking battle between two of the division’s most dangerous finishers.
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Jonathan Martinez (Bantamweight Bout) – A key fight for the future of the 135-pound division.
- Islam Makhachev’s protégé debut fight (Lightweight Bout) – A potential breakout moment for the next Dagestani standout.
With a lineup featuring elite strikers, dominant grapplers, and rising stars, UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for fight fans worldwide. Expect intense action, high stakes, and unforgettable moments in one of the UFC’s most iconic international venues.
UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 Ticket Prices
UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting UFC events of the year, bringing world-class mixed martial arts action to the Etihad Arena. With a thrilling fight card and a passionate fan base in the UAE, demand for tickets is expected to be exceptionally high. Abu Dhabi has solidified its place as a premier destination for combat sports, consistently delivering sold-out UFC events and unforgettable fight nights.
Ticket prices for UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 cater to a wide range of fans, from those seeking a premium, up-close Octagon-side experience to those looking for a more budget-friendly way to witness elite-level MMA live. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing tiers:
- Category 1 (Premium Floor Seating): AED 10,495 ($2,860) | Aisle Price: AED 10,595 ($2,890)
- Category 2 (VIP Octagon-Side): AED 5,495 ($1,500) | Aisle Price: AED 5,595 ($1,530)
- Category 3 (Lower-Level Center): AED 3,495 ($950) | Aisle Price: AED 3,595 ($980)
- Category 4 (Lower-Level Corners): AED 2,495 ($680) | Aisle Price: AED 2,595 ($710)
- Category 5 (Mid-Level Sideline): AED 1,295 ($350) | Aisle Price: AED 1,370 ($370)
- Category 6 (Upper-Level Low): AED 695 ($190) | Aisle Price: AED 770 ($210)
- Category 7 (Upper-Level Middle): AED 495 ($135) | Aisle Price: AED 545 ($150)
- Category 8 (Upper-Level High): AED 295 ($80) | Aisle Price: AED 345 ($95)
- Category 9 (Upper-Level End): AED 195 ($53) | Aisle Price: AED 245 ($67)
These pricing tiers provide fans with flexibility, whether they want an exclusive Octagon-side view or an affordable option to experience the electric atmosphere of a live UFC event. Given Abu Dhabi’s reputation for hosting some of the most memorable UFC nights, tickets for UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 are expected to sell out quickly. Fans should secure their seats as soon as possible to be part of this epic event.
With an electrifying fight card, world-class athletes, and an unmatched atmosphere at the Etihad Arena, UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 promises to be a must-watch spectacle. Whether you’re a die-hard MMA fan or looking for an unforgettable sporting experience, this event is not to be missed.
History of UFC Events in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has established itself as a premier destination for UFC events, hosting some of the most thrilling fight nights in the promotion’s history. The Etihad Arena has been the site of unforgettable championship battles, historic knockouts, and elite-level competition. As UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 approaches, let’s take a look at the major UFC events that have helped shape Abu Dhabi’s legacy in mixed martial arts.
UFC 112: Invincible (2010) – The First UFC Event in Abu Dhabi
The UFC made its highly anticipated debut in Abu Dhabi on April 10, 2010, with UFC 112: Invincible. The event featured a middleweight title defense by champion Anderson Silva against Demian Maia, as well as a lightweight title bout where B.J. Penn faced Frankie Edgar. Held at the Concert Arena on Yas Island, this historic event drew 11,008 fans, marking the beginning of the UFC’s long-term relationship with the UAE.
UFC 242: Khabib vs. Poirier (2019) – Khabib’s Dominance
On September 7, 2019, Abu Dhabi hosted UFC 242, an event headlined by the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier. In a dominant performance, Khabib submitted Poirier in the third round, solidifying his reign as champion. This event marked the beginning of a new era for the UFC in Abu Dhabi, leading to a series of blockbuster events in the years that followed.
UFC 251: Usman vs. Masvidal (2020) – The Birth of « Fight Island »
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC created « Fight Island » on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi to continue hosting international fights. The first event in this series was UFC 251 on July 12, 2020, featuring a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. This card also included title fights in the featherweight and bantamweight divisions, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his belt against Max Holloway in a controversial decision. The event solidified Abu Dhabi as the go-to location for high-profile UFC events.
UFC 267: Błachowicz vs. Teixeira (2021) – A Historic Light Heavyweight Title Fight
On October 30, 2021, UFC 267 took place at the Etihad Arena, headlined by a light heavyweight title bout between Jan Błachowicz and Glover Teixeira. In an emotional victory, Teixeira submitted Błachowicz in the second round, becoming the oldest first-time champion in UFC history at 42 years old. With 10,171 fans in attendance, the event was a testament to Abu Dhabi’s growing importance in the MMA world.
UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev (2022) – A New Lightweight Champion
One of the most anticipated fights in UFC history took place at UFC 280 on October 22, 2022, featuring a battle for the vacant lightweight title between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. Makhachev, the protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, dominated Oliveira and won via submission in the second round. This event, attended by 13,400 fans, cemented Abu Dhabi as the home of some of the biggest UFC title fights.
UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 (2023) – The Rematch
UFC 294 on October 21, 2023, delivered another iconic moment as Islam Makhachev defended his lightweight belt in a rematch against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev knocked out Volkanovski in the first round, solidifying himself as the most dominant lightweight in the world. The card also featured Khamzat Chimaev defeating Paulo Costa, further boosting Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a top UFC destination.
UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway (2024) – A New Featherweight King
On October 26, 2024, UFC 308 saw Ilia Topuria cement his place as featherweight champion with a knockout victory over Max Holloway. The co-main event featured Khamzat Chimaev securing a dominant submission win over Robert Whittaker. With another sold-out crowd, Abu Dhabi once again proved why it is a key player in the UFC’s global expansion.
Now, with UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 on the horizon, the city is set to host another historic night of fights. Given Abu Dhabi’s legacy of championship battles and thrilling fight nights, fans can expect another unforgettable event that will add to the region’s rich MMA history.