The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) forged its long-term alliance with the UFC in 2019 with a bold goal: to cement the emirate’s position as a leading capital for combat sports. Since then, Abu Dhabi has delivered over 20 major UFC events, launched Fight Island during the global pandemic, and staged some of the sport’s most defining nights. As UFC President Dana White once declared, Abu Dhabi is the “fight capital of the world”—a reputation that continues to grow stronger six years on.
However, Abu Dhabi’s ambitions stretch far beyond hosting landmark events. Its mission is about building a legacy—creating lasting opportunities for athletes from across the Middle East, supporting youth development, and ensuring MMA remains deeply rooted in the region. The initiative combines investment in cutting-edge facilities, grassroots engagement, and globally recognised fight nights that connect the sport to fans while inspiring a new generation of competitors.
Khamzat Chimaev’s success story perfectly embodies this vision. He first made his UFC debut in Abu Dhabi in July 2020 at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: KATTAR vs IGE, submitting John Phillips in his first appearance. Merely ten days later, he returned for UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WHITTAKER vs TILL, defeating Rhys McKee in the opening round and achieving the fastest turnaround in UFC history. His momentum continued when he returned to Abu Dhabi for UFC 267: BLACHOWICZ vs TEIXEIRA in October 2021, submitting Li Jingliang in the first round. Four years on, having fought five of his eight UFC bouts in Abu Dhabi while flying the UAE flag, Chimaev extended his unbeaten streak to 15-0 by defeating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago to claim the UFC middleweight crown. His journey reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term goal—to develop homegrown heroes and establish itself as the definitive home of MMA in the region.
Commenting on Abu Dhabi’s global MMA vision, His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has become a global stage where athletes showcase their talents and fans witness unforgettable sporting moments. Our long-standing partnership with UFC supports our vision to position the emirate as the international home of martial arts and a destination for world-class sports. By hosting iconic events, inspiring new audiences, and creating opportunities for athletes at every level, we are continuing to grow Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for sport, culture, and tourism.”
In 2023, DCT Abu Dhabi and UFC extended their partnership, reflecting the success of the joint venture and a strategic vision for the growth of MMA in the emirate. Under the agreement, UFC brings one numbered event, featuring a championship bout, to Abu Dhabi each year, along with UFC Fight Night which is also hosted annually in the emirate.
As DCT Abu Dhabi continues to bring international sports to the capital, MMA sits at the heart of these endeavours; broadening the horizons of athletes and fans alike. In July, the city hosted UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WHITTAKER vs DE RIDDER and is now preparing for UFC 321: ASPINALL vs GANE on 25 October. Taking place as ever inside the Etihad Arena, the event will see Tom Aspinall defend his heavyweight title for the first time against Ciryl Gane. Limited tickets are available at ticketmaster.ae and etihadarena.ae.
