When the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) signed its long-term partnership with UFC in 2019, it did so with a clear vision: establishing Abu Dhabi as a world capital for combat sports. Since then, the emirate has staged more than 20 UFC events, introduced the world to Fight Island during the pandemic, and delivered some of the organisation’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 (MMA) 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.
Chimaev’s story is the clearest example of this strategy in action. He first stepped into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi in July 2020 at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: KATTAR vs IGE, submitting John Phillips on his UFC debut. 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 UFC 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 UFC middleweight title. Chimaev’s success as one of the sport’s most established athletes is a testament to the capital’s mission to foster homegrown talent.
Commenting on Abu Dhabi’s global MMA vision, His Excellency Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has become a global stage where athletes showcase their talents and fans witness unforgettable sporting moments. Our long-standing partnership with UFC supports our vision to position the emirate as the international home of martial arts and a destination for world-class sports. By hosting iconic events, inspiring new audiences, and creating opportunities for athletes at every level, we are continuing to grow Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for sport, culture, and tourism.”
In 2023, DCT Abu Dhabi and UFC extended their partnership, reflecting the success of the joint venture and a strategic vision for the growth of MMA in the emirate. Under the agreement, UFC brings one numbered event, featuring a championship bout, to Abu Dhabi each year, along with UFC Fight Night which is also hosted annually in the emirate.
As DCT Abu Dhabi continues to bring international sports to the capital, MMA sits at the heart of these endeavours; broadening the horizons of athletes and fans alike. In July, the city hosted UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WHITTAKER vs DE RIDDER and is now preparing for UFC 321: ASPINALL vs GANE on 25 October. Taking place as ever inside the Etihad Arena, the event will see Tom Aspinall defend his heavyweight title for the first time against Ciryl Gane. Limited tickets are available at ticketmaster.ae and etihadarena.ae.
