Dana White just can’t get enough of the Middle East.
After recently announcing his new boxing organisation which he will be creating alongside the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, the UFC will be returning to the Gulf for a quick turn around this summer, July 26, at the Etihad Arena. Although no official fight card has been announced as of yet, you can prebook tickets at Visit Abu Dhabi.
The last event held in Abu Dhabi was just a few months ago in October, 2024 for UFC 308, when Ilia Topuria knocked out the seemingly indestructible, Max Holloway.
The UFC has now held in excess of 20 events since 2010, and as Dana White continues to reveal his rapidly growing plans of expansion in the region, don’t be surprised if yet another tremendous announcement arises in the coming weeks or months. Through its long term partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, the UFC continues to grace the Emirate with some of the most exhilarating fight cards in the world. With its die-hard fan base and state of the art venues, Abu Dhabi has proven itself to be one of the most promising sports hubs on the planet.
After having held two events in Saudi Arabia within a few months, Dana White’s new boxing organisation may eclipse any immediate UFC expansion in the KSA, and perhaps they’ll continue to tailor MMA to the UAE, and boxing in the KSA. We’ll just have to wait and see.
In the meantime, see you at the Etihad Arena on July 26.