UFC Prolongs Thrilling Abu Dhabi Partnership Until 2028
UFC has decided to extend its fruitful partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, promising a continued spectacle of mixed martial arts excellence in the emirate through the year 2028.
For the foreseeable future, the UAE’s capital will remain the proud host of UFC championships, with an added bonus of several Fight Night events scheduled to grace the Middle East and North Africa region.
This announcement marks the latest chapter in the long-standing relationship between the UFC, a division of TKO Group Holdings, and Abu Dhabi. With a rich history dating back to 2010, the region has played host to 18 sensational UFC events.
Formalizing their partnership in 2019, this alliance has seen some of the most prominent names in combat sports converge on the UAE’s capital. The likes of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, the legendary two-weight world champion Conor McGregor, and former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya have all stepped into the octagon on Abu Dhabi’s hallowed ground.
Over the course of their original agreement, nine riveting title fights have unfolded, showcasing elite global talent and captivating audiences across the globe. This ongoing partnership has not only delighted MMA enthusiasts worldwide but has also played a pivotal role in expanding the sport’s footprint in the MENA region.
Saood Abdulaziz Al-Hosani, undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked, “Bringing UFC to Abu Dhabi each year has proved hugely popular, with MMA fans coming to the emirate from all over the world to watch the biggest and best fights in the sport. Over a 15-year relationship, UFC has extended its global reach and Abu Dhabi has established itself as a world capital for combat sports. Renewing our partnership with UFC allows us to continue to stage major events that thrill visitors and residents. We are excited to extend the relationship and innovate together to grow this sport in the UAE and the wider region.”
Dana White, the UFC’s CEO, added his thoughts: “Abu Dhabi is one of my favorite places in the world; the people, the restaurants, the hotels, it’s incredible. I have been so excited to be able to put on some of the biggest fights in the history of UFC in Abu Dhabi, and it’s only going to get even bigger from here with additional Fight Nights coming to the region next year. I love it here.”
Since 2010, the UFC has graced Abu Dhabi with thrilling events that have attracted countless fight fans and introduced the UFC and the emirate to a colossal global TV audience of over 900 million households across 170 countries.
The partnership was notably strengthened as Abu Dhabi stepped up to host three distinct series of Fight Island events during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the sports world was shutting down, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi was transformed into a secure and controlled hub where international athletes could compete safely.
This monumental announcement precedes the much-anticipated UFC 294, where lightweight champion Islam Makhachev takes on Alexander Volkanovski in a sold-out event at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. In the co-main event, UAE resident Khamzat Chimaev, a fan favorite, will make his middleweight debut, facing former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
To amplify the excitement, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week has returned, treating fans to a weeklong celebration of MMA that includes UFC Fan Experiences, concerts, and comedy shows. This marks another extraordinary chapter in the UFC’s thrilling journey in the heart of the Middle East.
Khamzat Chimaev Commits to UFC in a Long-Term Deal
Khamzat Chimaev, one of the UFC’s emerging stars, has penned a lucrative long-term contract with the organization.
Khamzat Chimaev (12-0), aged 29, is on the cusp of a compelling middleweight showdown with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (20-3) at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi this Saturday. His manager, Majdi Shammas, confirmed to ESPN that Chimaev inked this fresh contract on Tuesday.
While specific details of the agreement were not disclosed, it secures Chimaev’s exclusive presence within the UFC’s Octagon for the foreseeable future. Notably, Chimaev had two fights left on his previous contract before negotiating this extension.
UFC president Dana White has made it clear that this Saturday’s bout will serve as a middleweight No. 1 contender fight, with the victor earning the opportunity to challenge the newly crowned champion, Sean Strickland, for the coveted belt in their next outing.
Hailing from Chechnya and now based in Dubai, Chimaev has been widely regarded as a potential champion in multiple weight divisions since his UFC debut in 2020. He has showcased his skills in both the 170-pound and 185-pound categories.
Last September, the UFC had initially set him up for a high-profile encounter with Nate Diaz at UFC 279, but Chimaev’s weight cut woes led to a late change, and he was eventually matched against Kevin Holland. His only other stumbling block in his UFC journey has been consistency. He faced a year-long hiatus in 2020 due to health issues and encountered various reasons for inactivity this year.
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