Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is returning this year.
It will take place from 22 to 25 July.
UFC Fight Night forms part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.
The weeklong MMA extravaganza will feature a range of exciting events and fan experiences as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.
It’s T-minus five days until UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov takes over Etihad Arena, and you know what that means — hordes of MMA fans heading to the capital as a packed schedule of citywide events leads up to the big event on Saturday, 25 July. Marking another edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have confirmed an array of fan-first happenings across Yas Island.
UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov lands at Etihad Arena with a highly anticipated light heavyweight showdown. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev faces Uzbekistan’s Bogdan Guskov in the main event, while Steve Erceg takes on Ramazan Temirov in the co-main event flyweight contest.
Fight week highlights include open workouts at the UFC Fan Experience in Yas Mall on Wednesday, 22 July, giving fans a close look at the main event contenders. On Friday, 24 July, Etihad Arena hosts the ceremonial weigh-ins, with doors opening at 4pm, followed by a live Q&A with Carlos Ulberg, Lerone Murphy and Shara Magomedov at 5pm before fighters hit the scale and face off at 6pm. These immersive activations are not only free and open to the public but also a must for any UFC fan.
The UFC Fan Experience is free to attend at Yas Mall throughout Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, running until 26 July. Visitors can enjoy interactive activations including the UFC gaming station, Grip Challenge, Striking Challenge and Kick Power activations. Khabib Gym will host daily fitness activations from 23 to 26 July, while UFC GYM will host live sparring showcases, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, super fights and interactive fitness challenges on 24 and 25 July.
Open workouts will feature former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev, main event opponent Bogdan Guskov, undefeated lightweight prospect Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov and rising welterweight star Islam Dulatov as they showcase their skills before stepping into the Octagon.
Following the ceremonial weigh-ins, fans can head to the UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall for a special 7pm Meet & Greet with Carlos Ulberg and Shara Magomedov, offering another opportunity to get up close with two of the UFC’s top stars.
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will culminate with UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov at Etihad Arena on Saturday, 25 July.
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is also set to bring a diverse range of nightlife events and parties to the capital, along with exclusive culinary offerings and tailored experiences at select gyms. Marking a major milestone in the capital. Adding to the buzz, UAE Warriors returns on Wednesday, 22 October at ADNEC Centre, with a showcase of top regional talent.
With a stacked card, elite MMA and a week of fan-first programming, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025 shapes up as a must-see celebration of sport and entertainment.
Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: 22 to 25 July 2026
Contact: visitabudhabi.ae