Fans of martial arts and its activities in the Middle East, it’s time to rejoice as the UFC is finally returning to the UAE. Making the announcement, UFC said that it is returning to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island for a series of events this October, including one huge one—UFC 267 on October 30, 2021.

UFC also announced the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a series of events that will run alongside UFC 267. The week-long event will have city-wide activations that include fan events, fitness showcases among other activities.

The second edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week comes as part of the five-year partnership forged by UFC and DCT Abu Dhabi. This will bring championship UFC events to Abu Dhabi until 2023.

The UAE has a large fan following of MMA and the first Showdown Week that was held in September 2019 with UFC 242: KHABIB vs. POIRIER in front, saw a full house with all tickets sold out of over 14,000 fans on Yas island, in which Khabib retired.

While COVID-19 played a spoilt sport for the champions, Abu Dhabi saved the day by setting up UFC Fight Island, and the mixed martial arts event series that became a phenomenon, capturing the imagination of the sports world.

Due to this new island, UFC athletes from all around the world can now compete in a safe and secure environment during the pandemic. Ever since a total of three installments of the UFC Fight Island series have been held on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi from July 2020.

“This is indeed a truly special milestone for Abu Dhabi and yet another indication of the strength of our partnership with UFC, as well as Abu Dhabi’s readiness to host momentous sporting events,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director, Tourism and Marketing, at DCT Abu Dhabi.

The opening of the new space has also doubled up as good news as Abu Dhabi has been gradually opening up to tourists again and UFC will allow fans to witness the live event at the Etihad Arena.