UFC 280 champion Islam Makhachev. Photo: Instagram.com/ufc
UFC has announced that it will be returning to Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2023, with UFC 294. The epic clash between some of the best mixed martial artists in the world will once again be held at the Etihad Arena in what is sure to be an adrenaline-pumping event for everyone that attends.
Dana White, president of UFC, seems to be just as excited as fans in the region if his statement is anything to go by. “Everybody knows how much I love Abu Dhabi and the people there, so we are excited to be returning with another amazing card for UFC 294 this October,” he said. “We have some big plans in store for UFC 294, and I can’t wait for another insane night of fights.”
Although the fight card for UFC 294 fight card is yet to be announced, fans can rest assured that it will bring them another exhilarating championship bout. A prime example is last year’s UFC 280 where a sold-out Etihad Arena witnessed Islam Makhachev defeat Charles Oliveira to become the lightweight champion while Aljamain Sterling fought his way to the longest winning streak in bantamweight history.
This year will mark the 18th event UFC has held in Abu Dhabi since UFC 112 in 2010 when Brazilian legend Anderson Silva faced compatriot Demian Maia and emerged victorious at the end of an intense altercation. Over the years, Abu Dhabi has also played host to some of the most famous names in MMA including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and Khamzat Chimaev.
While talking about this longstanding partnership between UFC and Abu Dhabi Saleh Al Geziry, director general for tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi and UFC have a deep and trusted partnership dating back more than a decade. We understand the passion and desire of fans in the region for world-class events and together we constantly strive to deliver fight cards that appeal to as wide an audience as possible. UFC 294 and the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown will be memorable.”
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