Abu Dhabi to host two UFC events in 2024 with Fight Night added to schedule

Additional event takes place in August at Etihad Arena as well as traditional pay-per-view show in October

Islam Makhachev after his win via knockout in the first round of their UFC 294 lightweight title fight in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 21, 2023. All images Chris Whiteoak / The National

Islam Makhachev knocks out Alexander Volkanovski to defend his lightweight title at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi

Islam Makhachev knocks out Alexander Volkanovski with a kick.

Alexander Volkanovski after his defeat

Islam Makhachev proved too strong for Alexander Volkanovski

Khamzat Chimaev during his bout against Kamaru Usman in their middleweight bout at UFC 294

Khamzat Chimaev takes down Kamaru Usman

Khamzat Chimaev won a majority decision against Kamaru Usman

Johnny Walker, green shorts, during his light heavyweight bout against Magomed Ankalaev

Johnny Walker has to be held back after his fight with Magomed Ankalaev is declared a no contest

Ikram Aliskerov after defeating Warlley Alves by TKO in their middleweight bout

Ikram Aliskerov, white shorts, during his win over Warlley Alves

Ikram Aliskerov celebrates his win in Abu Dhabi

Said Nurmagomedov, white shorts, submits Muin Gafurov in their bantamweight bout

Mohammed Yahya, right, created history for the UAE as he took on Trevor Peek in a lightweight bout in Abu Dhabi

Trevor Peek defeated UAE's Mohammed Yahya in Abu Dhabi

Muhammad Mokaev, white shorts, overpowered Tim Elliott in their flyweight bout

Muhammad Mokaev celebrates his win over Tim Elliott

Sharabutdin Magomedov, red shorts, takes on Bruno Silva in their middleweight bout at UFC 294

Sharabutdin Magomedov defeated Bruno Silva on Saturday

Victoria Dudakova, grey shorts, on route to victory against Jinh Yu Frey in their catchweight bout

Muhammad Naimov, white shorts, takes on Nathaniel Wood

Muhammad Naimov celebrates his win

Muhammad Naimov defends against Nathaniel Wood

Mike Breeden celebrates his win over debutant Anshul Jubli

Sedriques Dumas after defeating Abu Azaitar

Sedriques Dumas on his way to victory over Abu Azaitar

Javid Basharat, white shorts, kicked the groin of Victor Henry, leading to a no contest in their bantamweight bout

Fans arrive at the Etihad Arena for UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi will host two UFC events this year, with a Fight Night to take place this summer before its traditional pay-per-view show in October.

The UFC announced on Wednesday the additional event for August 3, which will take place at Etihad Arena. The Fight Night will represent the organisation’s 19th event held in the emirate since debuting there in 2010.

In a statement, UFC CEO Dana White said: “Abu Dhabi is one of the most incredible cities in the world. I love everything about Abu Dhabi, and I’m excited to bring another epic event.

“Abu Dhabi is an amazing destination, especially if you are a fight fan. I tell everyone to fly in early, check out the amazing food and experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, and then end the trip with incredible fights.”

The accompanying press release said the fight card was “soon to be announced”, adding that it will "see international and local talent enter the octagon for a must-see spectacle, featuring a number of the sport’s most talented athletes”.

The new event means the UFC will stage three events in the Gulf this year, with the promotion holding an inaugural Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 22 – part of the partnership extension signed last October between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the UFC.

The agreement, which runs until 2028, guarantees one numbered UFC event to be held in the UAE capital each year, with additional Fight Nights to take place “across the Mena region” as part of the deal.

The UFC’s most recent visit to Abu Dhabi came last October, when UFC 294 was headlined by lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski at Etihad Arena.

On Wednesday, Saleh Al Geziry, director general for tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said in a statement: “Hosting Abu Dhabi’s first-ever UFC Fight Night is a major milestone in our ongoing partnership. Some of the most iconic moments in UFC history have taken place during epic Fight Nights - and we are excited to create more spectacular memories for MMA fans.

“As our UFC partnership evolves, we will deliver unforgettable experiences for fans across the region and the millions watching around the world.”

In 2020, Abu Dhabi hosted the historic Fight Island series that allowed the UFC to stage events during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fight Island featured some of the sport’s most prominent names, including former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, former two-division belt-holder Conor McGregor, and former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.