UFC extends Abu Dhabi partnership with Fight Nights planned 'across Mena region'

The UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have extended their existing partnership that guarantees one numbered event to be held in the capital each year, with additional Fight Nights to take place “across the Mena region” as part of the deal.

Confirmation of an agreement through until 2028 was announced on Thursday immediately following the official press conference for UFC 294, which will be staged at Etihad Arena on Saturday night. It represents the 18th event held in Abu Dhabi since the world’s lead mixed martial arts promotion’s debut in the emirate in 2010.

In a press release accompanying Thursday’s news, UFC chief executive Dana White said: “Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite places in the world; the people, the restaurants, the hotels, it’s incredible.

“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.”

While a Fight Night in Saudi Arabia was earlier this month confirmed for March – it marks the UFC’s first stop in the kingdom – no other events in the region have been detailed. However, during the UFC 294 press conference, White said the promotion was in talks with Egypt and Qatar, among other Mena destinations, regarding hosting Fight Nights.

UFC and Abu Dhabi have enjoyed a long-standing and successful relationship. In 2019, they entered into a formal partnership that committed to putting on one pay-per-view event per year through until 2023.

In 2020, the relationship strengthened through the Fight Island series in Abu Dhabi, a concept that allowed the UFC to stage events during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fight Island