The anticipation amongst UFC and MMA fight fans, already fired up at the prospect of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi making a sizzling return to the UAE capital on Saturday, July 26, 2025, has now reached fever pitch following the disclosure of an absolutely riveting Fight Card.
The second edition of the event at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, presented by UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion company, owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority owned subsidiary of Endeavor Group Holdings, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will undoubtedly set the Octagon ablaze and captivate watching fans with a series of mesmerising match ups.
Tickets are on sale, and expected to sell out quickly, so UFC fans should act fast – secure your spot now by contacting ES Sport today for exclusive ticket packages and the latest fight card updates.
High-Stakes Headliner: Whittaker vs. De Ridder Sparks Middleweight Anticipation
Robert Whittaker steps into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi with a battle-hardened 27-8-0 record, highlighted by defining wins over top-flight opposition such as Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier, and Marvin Vettori. The Australian powerhouse is determined to reclaim his winning form and impose that trademark pressure on the Dutchman in a statement performance.
Meanwhile, the surging Dutchman Reinier de Ridder, a rising force in the UFC middleweight division with a 20-2-0 record, puts his rapidly growing reputation on the line in this pivotal matchup.
Since joining the UFC in late 2024, de Ridder has displayed exceptional grappling and finishing technique, quickly establishing himself as one of the division’s most formidable contenders. His most recent triumph—handing Bo Nickal his first professional defeat—was a defining moment, underscoring his ruthless precision and unwavering trajectory. Now rocketing up the middleweight rankings, de Ridder is laser-focused on extending his streak, determined to take his place among the division’s elite by toppling the former champion.
Additional bouts confirmed on the UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi card
Other confirmed fights for July 26 include:
The light heavyweight division promises fireworks as seasoned Russian fighter Nikita Krylov (30-10-0), fighting out of Kislovodsk, squares off against Uzbekistan’s Bogdan Guskov (17-3-0), who enters the bout riding an impressive winning streak and aiming to extend his dominance.
With near-identical records, Uzbek standout Ramazan Temirov (19-3-0), fighting out of Karshi, faces off against Kazakhstan’s Asu Almabayev (21-3-0) in what promises to be a thrilling flyweight clash.
A high-voltage light heavyweight showdown sees Turkey’s Ibo Aslan (14-2-0), fighting out of Istanbul, lock horns with Billy Elekana (7-2-0) from Las Vegas, in a bout expected to deliver explosive action.
A Clash of Titans: Abu Dhabi Set for UFC Spectacle
UFC and MMA fans are in for another night of electrifying, full-throttle combat as global stars step into the Octagon on July 26 at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. With high-stakes encounters set, this spectacle is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable events of the year.
Enjoy exclusive ticket packages featuring premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes, and much more—an unparalleled experience for die-hard fight enthusiasts.
UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi ticket packages are selling fast, so don’t miss out—secure your spot today by contacting ES Sport for exclusive packages and the latest fight card updates.
UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi ticket packages are selling fast, so don’t miss out – secure your spot today by contacting ES Sport today for exclusive ticket packages and the latest fight card updates.
