UFC announces return to Abu Dhabi for Fight Night event
The UFC is back on the road this summer to the UAE
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JULY 26: A general view of the Octagon during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on July 26, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) The UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi is official. The promotion announced on Monday that, once again, their heading back to the UAE for a summer Fight Night card.
UFC Abu Dhabi is set for July 25 at Etihad Arena, and streams exclusively on Paramount+ in the U. S. No fights were officially announced, but MMA Fighting already reported a lightweight clash between Ismael Bonfim and Axel Sola is set for the card.
During the 2025 promotional Fight Night visit to Abu Dhabi, the main event saw former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker face Reinier de Ridder in a five-round contest. After a competitive 25 minutes, de Ridder picked up the close decision victory. In the co-main event, Petr Yan set himself up to regain the UFC bantamweight title with a decision win over Marcus McGhee.
Following the Fight Night card, the UFC is expected to head back to Etihad Arena for a numbered event in October.