UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi July 26, 2025 is officially on, and the fight card is stacked. The UFC has confirmed the return to Etihad Arena on Yas Island for what promises to be one of the most anticipated events on the Abu Dhabi sports calendar this summer.
Whittaker vs. de Ridder Headlines the Card
The main event features No. 5-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker of Australia squaring off against rising Dutch contender Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker enters the octagon with a 27-8-0 record, having shared the cage with UFC stars including Yoel Romero and Marvin Vettori. De Ridder, an increasingly dangerous presence in the 185 lb division, brings a formidable 20-2-0 record and has been building serious momentum with each outing.
The matchup has all the ingredients for a tactical middleweight war — Whittaker's proven championship experience against de Ridder's relentless pressure and grappling-heavy style.
Full Fight Card
The undercard is equally compelling:
- Nikita Krylov (Russia) vs. Bogdan Guskov (Uzbekistan) — Light Heavyweight - Ramazan Temirov (19-3-0) vs. Asu Almabayev (Kazakhstan) — Flyweight - Ibo Aslan (Turkey) vs. Billy Elekana (USA) — Light Heavyweight
Abu Dhabi's UFC Legacy
Abu Dhabi has hosted more than 20 UFC events since 2010, establishing Yas Island as one of the world's premier MMA destinations. In 2024, the city broke new ground by hosting two UFC events in a single year — a milestone that reflects the UAE capital's growing grip on global fight sports. Another major event is anticipated for October 2025.
The previous UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi brought world-class MMA to the Etihad Arena, with Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Cory Sandhagen headlining and even drawing a front-row appearance from legendary Dagestani fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Tickets and How to Watch
Tickets for UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi on July 26 start from AED 345 and can be purchased online at etihadarena.ae.
Whether you're a lifelong MMA fan or a first-time attendee, Etihad Arena's atmosphere — roaring with passionate fight fans from around the world — makes this a must-attend summer event in Abu Dhabi.
