The UFC returns to the capital this October

UFC 308 signifies the 19th UFC event in the emirate.

Whether you’re a casual or hardcore UFC fan, there’s an upcoming face-off that you won’t want to miss – UFC 308 will take place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 26 October. The event forms part of the landmark partnership between the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which began in 2019.

October will also see the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a seven-day series of city-wide events with dedicated fan events, concerts, hotel promotions, F&B offerings, and star-studded events.

Last year’s event in the capital saw a sold-out Etihad Arena witness Islam Makhachev successfully defend his lightweight title against UFC’s featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who courageously accepted the challenge on short notice. The momentum of UAE MMA continues to soar as UFC signed its first-ever Emirati athlete, Mohammad Yahya, who made his debut in front of a home crowd at UFC 294.

UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi for UFC 308 signifies the 19th UFC event in the emirate, and the second event scheduled for this year, following UFC FIGHT NIGHT on Saturday, 3 August. These events have swiftly cemented their place on the global fight calendar, captivating fans worldwide with unforgettable showdowns among UFC’s superstar athletes.

H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting another exhilarating UFC event in Abu Dhabi. Over the past five years, the UAE capital has staged unforgettable fights and witnessed the rise of champions, leaving an everlasting memory for fans around the region and the world. I personally cannot wait to experience UFC 308 firsthand, which further underlines Abu Dhabi’s status as the international fight capital.”

VIP Experience packages will soon be available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. These packages include exclusive access with premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes, and more.

GO: Visit www.ufc.com for more information.