The ultimate place to be for MMA fans
The countdown to UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov is officially on, and before the Octagon lights up Etihad Arena this weekend, Yas Island is rolling out a packed programme of fan experiences as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.
Running until 26 July, the week-long celebration turns Yas Island into the ultimate place to be for MMA fans, with everything from fighter appearances and open workouts to gaming challenges, fitness competitions and free fan activations.
So even if you’ve already got your fight ticket, or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, there’s plenty happening before the first punch is thrown.
The free UFC Fan Experience
The heart of Showdown Week is once again the UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall, and the best part is that it’s completely free to enter.
Open throughout the week, the interactive zone lets fans test their skills through a series of challenges inspired by life inside the Octagon, featuring power-testing striking machines, kick challenges, grip strength competitions and the latest EA SPORTS UFC gaming stations.
It’s the closest most of us will ever get to experiencing fight week without actually stepping into the cage.
Train like a fighter
Fancy putting your own fitness to the test?
From 23 to 26 July, Khabib Gym will host daily workout sessions between 4pm and 5pm, giving visitors the chance to compete in push-up and squat challenges.
Everyone who takes part receives a complimentary one-day pass to Khabib Gym, so it’s a great excuse to channel your inner champion.
Then, on 24 and 25 July, UFC GYM takes over Yas Mall from 7pm to 9pm with live sparring demonstrations, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, bodyweight fitness challenges and even super fights.
There’ll also be prizes up for grabs if you can outlast the competition.
Watch the stars before fight night
One of the highlights of Showdown Week is the chance to see UFC athletes up close before they enter the Octagon.
On 22 July at 6pm, fans can head to Yas Mall for the UFC Open Workouts, where some of the biggest names on the card will showcase their skills live.
Scheduled to appear are main event stars Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov, alongside undefeated lightweight prospect Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov and rising welterweight talent Islam Dulatov.
It’s a rare opportunity to see the athletes train just days before fight night.
Ceremonial weigh-ins and meet the fighters
The excitement continues on 24 July at Etihad Arena.
Doors open at 4pm, with a live Q&A featuring Carlos Ulberg and Lerone Murphy beginning at 5pm before the official ceremonial weigh-ins get underway at 6pm.
These final face-offs are always packed with intensity as fighters come face-to-face for one last time before stepping into the cage.
If that’s not enough, fans can then head back to Yas Mall at 7pm for a special meet-and-greet with Ulberg and Murphy, offering the chance to grab photos and see two UFC stars up close.
Then it’s time for Fight Night
After a week of build-up, everything leads to UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov on 25 July at Etihad Arena.
Doors open at 4pm, with former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev taking on Uzbekistan’s Bogdan Guskov in the headline bout.
The co-main event sees Steve Erceg face Ramazan Temirov, while the rest of the card features an exciting line-up of rising stars and established names looking to make their mark.
Whether you’re planning to cheer cageside or simply want to experience the buzz around Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week offers plenty of ways to get involved long before the opening bell.
Free. 22-26 July, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tickets for the actual event on 25 July are available through ticketmaster.ae
