Everything you need to know about Abu Dhabi Showdown Week

Kicking off on 16 October, the weeklong MMA extravaganza will feature a range of exciting events leading up to UFC 294.

It’s T-minus 18 days until UFC 294: Makhachev Vs. Oliveira 2 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, 21 October. Marking the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week as well as the UFC’s 30th anniversary, UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have confirmed an array of happenings.

Taking place on Wednesday, 18 October at Yas Mall, the official UFC Open Workouts, featuring a host of the UFC 294 athletes, will provide fans the opportunity to watch their training techniques up close and show support for their favourite athletes. On Thursday, 19 October, fans will have access to the UFC 294: Makhachev Vs. Oliveira 2 Press Conference at Etihad Arena, where they will hear from key athletes on the card in the lead-up to the long-awaited event. The official UFC Ceremonial Weigh-ins are scheduled for Friday, 20 October, this time providing fans a rare opportunity to experience the electrifying face-off.

As the athletes step onto the scale at the Etihad Arena, the excitement will build and set the stage for an epic showdown the following day. Fans can further embrace the exhilarating atmosphere of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week through the UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall from 16 to 22 October, and at Yas Bay from 18 to 22 October. Both locations offer Athlete Meet and Greets as well as interactive experiences including the UFC Striking Challenge, the UFC Legacy Championship Belt, and much more. These immersive activations are not only free and open to the public, but also a must for any UFC fan.

Abu Dhabi Showdown Week also includes a Robbie Williams concert on 18 October, followed by a comedy show hosted by Andrew Schulz on 22 October. Additionally, 20 October will bring with it two action-packed events to MMA fans as UAE Warriors returns with a line-up of adrenaline-filled matchups at Khabib Gym and the first edition of Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship debuts at Mubadala Arena.

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. Incidentally, UFC 294: Makhachev Vs. Oliveira 2 is the fifth event to be held in the capital under the landmark partnership between UFC, the world’s premier MMA organisation, and DCT Abu Dhabi.

GO: Visit visitabudhabi.ae for more information.