Abu Dhabi confirmed to host 'Road to UFC' semi-finals next month on back of UFC 280

Abu Dhabi will next month host the second leg of the “Road to UFC”, a tournament where athletes vie for a contract with the world’s lead mixed martial arts promotion.

The win-and-advance competition, launched in Singapore in June, will stage its semi-finals in the capital on October 23 – the day following UFC 280 at Etihad Arena. The UFC confirmed the next phase on Tuesday.

The Road to UFC, designed to showcase the best young Asian talent, comprises four men’s divisions - flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight and lightweight - with eight participants in each bracket. At its conclusion, a fighter from each division will be offered a UFC contract.

The historic #RoadToUFC returns #InAbuDhabi!Don't miss the semifinals Sunday October 23rd LIVE on @UFCFightPass