Russia’s Islam Makhachev is declared winner in his Lightweight bout during the UFC event in Abu Dhabi. File/ Agence Framce-Presse

Abu Dhabi: UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), on Wednesday announced UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi on Saturday, August 3 at Etihad Arena, marking the second event in the UAE capital in less than a year.

With a soon-to-be-announced fight card, the upcoming event will see international and local talent enter The Octagon for a must-see spectacle, featuring a number of the sport’s most talented athletes.

The UFC Fight Night will be the 18th event in Abu Dhabi, dating back to UFC 112: Invincible in April 2010.

Last year, UFC, in partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, hosted UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski, where a sold-out Eithad Arena witnessed Islam Makhachev defend his lightweight title against UFC’s featherweight champion and fan favourite Alexander Volkanovski, who stepped up to the challenge at late notice. UAE MMA continues to grow to new heights as UFC signed its first-ever Emirati athlete, Mohammad Yahya, who debuted in front of a home crowd at UFC 294.

Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Hosting Abu Dhabi’s first ever UFC Fight Night is a major milestone in our ongoing partnership. Some of the most iconic moments in UFC history have taken place during epic Fight Nights - and we are excited to create more spectacular memories for MMA fans.

“As our UFC partnership evolves, we will deliver unforgettable experiences for fans across the region and the millions watching around the world,” he added.

“Abu Dhabi is one of the most incredible cities in the world,” Dana White, UFC CEO, said: I love everything about Abu Dhabi, and I’m excited to bring another EPIC event.

“Abu Dhabi is an amazing destination, especially if you are a fight fan. I tell everyone to fly in early, check out the amazing food and experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, and then end the trip with incredible fights.”

In 2020, Abu Dhabi hosted the historic Fight Island series that allowed the UFC to stage events during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Fight Island featured some of the sport’s most prominent names, including former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, former two-division belt-holder Conor McGregor, and former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.