UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this summer, with a fight card poised to have far-reaching implications for the middleweight division. Former champion Robert Whittaker is set to make his return against submission specialist Reinier De Ridder, while Shara Magomedov aims to rebound following a disappointing performance in his last outing, setting the stage for high-stakes action at 185 pounds.
In addition, the event will feature a strong presence of Muslim fighters, as UFC President Dana White continues to strengthen the promotion’s foothold in a region where the popularity of MMA continues to grow exponentially. Read on to find out all you need to know about UFC Abu Dhabi 2025.
The UFC’s First Steps in Abu Dhabi
In 2010, Abu Dhabi hosted the Middle East’s first-ever UFC event – a landmark double-title card featuring champions Anderson Silva and BJ Penn. In the months leading up to the event, Flash Entertainment, a company owned by the Abu Dhabi government, acquired a 10% stake in Zuffa, the UFC’s parent company. This strategic investment laid the foundation for a long and fruitful relationship between UFC President Dana White and the UAE government. Since then, the emirate has welcomed numerous world-class UFC events, with the promotion returning to Abu Dhabi on an almost annual basis.
The city serves as a base for top-ranked icons from the region to showcase their skills, and whenever the promotion is in town, there are always one or two standout fighters who call the GCC home on the card. Fighters such as number-three-ranked middleweight Khamzat Chimaev call Abu Dhabi home, and given the visa challenges that have made entry into the United States difficult for him, the UAE’s capital serves as an ideal stage for his performances.
Other prominent fighters, such as Islam Makhachev – widely regarded by many as the current pound-for-pound best – and reigning middleweight champion Magomed Ankalaev, a devout Muslim, have also played a key role in boosting the sport’s popularity in the region. That’s not to mention former lightweight champion and UFC GOAT contender Khabib Nurmagomedov, who stands apart as a Muslim role model – admired not only for his dominance in the octagon but also for his ethical lifestyle.
Etihad Arena – Where Champions Are Made
Unfortunately, neither of the UFC’s Muslim champions will feature on the upcoming card, but there will be plenty of exciting bouts – all set to take place at Abu Dhabi’s world-class Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The iconic venue, which hosts other top-class events throughout the year – such as shows by renowned composer Hans Zimmer and legendary comedian Dave Chappelle – can easily accommodate 18,000 fight fans across 35,000 sq.m of waterfront development.
The building is a landmark of entertainment in Abu Dhabi and takes inspiration from Arabic culture through its stunning architecture. It was also named Sustainable Building Design of the Year at the MENA Green Buildings Awards in 2018, highlighting the city’s commitment to environmentally friendly living.
What the UFC brings to Abu Dhabi
In a city renowned for hosting world-class sports and entertainment events, the annual UFC events rank among the most prestigious. Much like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, UFC fight weeks attract a who's who from the global combat sports world – each drawn by the spectacle, the competition, and the unique allure of Abu Dhabi – as well as Dubai, just a stone’s throw away.
Since the partnership began in 2010, the UFC has introduced millions of fight fans to Abu Dhabi, showcasing the city’s modernity and vibrancy on a global stage. While some older sports fans may still hold outdated perceptions of the Middle East, the UFC has played a central role in reshaping those views – positioning Abu Dhabi as a progressive, world-class destination.
Dana White himself has spoken glowingly about the city in the past, calling it one of his favourite places in the world. The UFC CEO has also promised to bring bigger and better fights to the “incredible” city.
Where to stay for UFC Abu Dhabi 2025
Thanks to its prime location on the sophisticated Yas Island, visitors attending a fight-filled weekend have no shortage of top-tier accommodation options. The island boasts a wide array of high-end hotels, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious stay without ever needing to leave the area.
The W Abu Dhabi – just a five-minute walk from Etihad Arena – offers an array of luxurious accommodations, including the Wow, E-Wow, and Fantastic suites, where opulence comes as standard. Even closer is the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, which features beautifully landscaped grounds, one of the city’s premier outdoor pools, and immaculate rooms. For those seeking elevated comfort, the Presidential Suite delivers refined luxury. Additional sophisticated options, such as Radisson Blu Hotel and Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, are both conveniently located just a short distance from the venue, providing visitors with a variety of stylish stays to suit different preferences.
A Closer Look at the Fights That Matter
The main card promises to have significant implications for the middleweight division, featuring two high-calibre matchups that could shape the title picture moving forward.
Before the spotlight shifts to the two main fights, however, the flyweight clash between Asu Almabayev and Ramazan Temirov warrants attention. Almabayev brings a strong ground game to the Octagon, while Temirov prefers to stand and trade – setting the stage for a classic stylistic matchup. Almabayev holds a rare Peruvian Necktie submission victory from 2017 – an exceptionally uncommon technique, with only two such finishes recorded in the UFC’s 32-year history.
The light heavyweight division will also be on display as Nikita Krylov faces off against Bogdan Guskov. Both exceedingly heavy hitters, just 5 of their combined 57 professional bouts have gone the distance. It’s probably safe to assume somebody is going to sleep in this one.
The pinnacle of the night’s proceedings, however, are the two headline bouts. Shara “Bullet” Magomedov returns after disappointment against England’s Michael “Venom” Page last time out, taking on the tough but much-less-skilled Marc-Andre Barriault. Although Magomedov remains unranked – a testament to the depth of talent in the division – this matchup is widely expected to be a relatively straightforward assignment for the one-eyed Russian striker.
In the main event, Robert Whittaker returns after being brutally defeated by Khamzat Chimaev in his last outing. The Kiwi – a former two-time champion of the division – faces the dangerous submission artist Reinier De Ridder, who derailed the Bo Nickal hype train back in May 2025. Whittaker will be hoping to get things done early before the Dutchman can assert his influence and impose his ground game on the number-five-ranked legend.
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a global destination capable of attracting world-class entertainment. Its annual UFC events continue to draw international attention, further reinforcing the city’s growing reputation on the global stage. However, this is only the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership between UFC leadership, including Dana White, and key figures within the UAE government, suggesting that this successful collaboration is set to continue well into the future.
