From Fight Island to UFC: Khamzat Chimeav’s success parallels Abu Dhabi’s rise to global MMA capital

ABU DHABI: When the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi signed its long-term partnership with the UFC in 2019, it did so with a vision to establish the city as the world capital for combat sports.

Since then, DCT Abu Dhabi has staged more than 20 UFC events, introduced the world to Fight Island during the COVID-19 pandemic, and delivered some of the organization’s most memorable nights.

UFC President Dana White once described Abu Dhabi as the “fight capital of the world,” and six years later that statement rings truer than ever.

Abu Dhabi’s ambition extends well beyond hosting blockbuster events. Its strategy is about legacy: creating opportunities for local and regional athletes, fostering young talent, and ensuring mixed martial arts has a long-term home in the Middle East.

The commitment runs through state-of-the-art facilities, grassroots initiatives, and world-class fights that bring the sport closer to fans while inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Khamzat Chimaev’s story is one such example of this strategy in action. He first stepped into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi in July 2020 at “UFC Fight Night: Katter vs. Ice,” and submitted John Phillips.

Just 10 days later, he returned for “UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Till,” stopping Rhys McKee in the first round and making history with the fastest turnaround in the company’s history.

He was back in Abu Dhabi in October 2021 for “UFC 267: Blachowicz vs. Teixeira,” where he overwhelmed Li Jingliang with a first-round submission.

Four years later, having fought five of his eight UFC bouts in Abu Dhabi and under the UAE flag, he took his undefeated record to 15-0 at UFC 319 when he beat Dricus du Plessis in Chicago to capture the middleweight title.