The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced the extension of its existing partnership with UFC to continue to host mixed martial arts championship events until 2028.
The new partnership also includes additional Fight Night events which will be held across the Middle East and North Africa region.
DCT Abu Dhabi and UFC have a long-standing relationship which saw the launch of 18 events in the UAE capital since 2010.
Abu Dhabi’s UFC extravaganza continues
“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,” said Undersecretary Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani.
“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 wider region.”
The two parties entered a formal partnership in 2019 and have, since then, brought some of the biggest names in combat sports including two-weight world champion Conor McGregor among many others, to compete in the emirate.
“Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite places in the world; the people, the restaurants, the hotels, it’s incredible,” said UFC CEO, Dana White.
“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.”
The announcement comes ahead of the sold-out UFC 294: Makhachev Vs. Volkanovski 2 which is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island on Saturday.
In 2022, a sold-out crowd witnessed Islam Makhachev become the lightweight champion when he defeated Charles Oliveira via second-round stoppage at UFC 280.
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