Big plans are in store for UFC 294 says UFC President Dana White
Abu Dhabi’s combat sports fans, you’re in for a treat as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is heading back to the UAE capital with another blockbuster card.
Having hosted many of UFC’s most memorable fights, Abu Dhabi is again laying down the red carpet for the world’s best mixed martial arts fighters who will compete in UFC 294, set for 21 October at the Etihad Arena.
Abu Dhabi is clearly becoming a favourite destination of the world’s leading MMA promotion as the city hosts its 18th UFC event since 2010, when Brazilian legend Anderson Silva took on compatriot Demian Maia.
UFC 294 will be headlined by another highly anticipated title bout, although the full line-up of matches is yet to be revealed. The last UFC event hosted in the emirate featured Islam Makhachev defeating Charles Oliveira in a second-round stoppage for the lightweight title in UFC 280 at a sold-out Etihad Arena.
“Everybody knows how much I love Abu Dhabi and the people there, so we are excited to be returning with another amazing card for UFC 294 this October,” said UFC President Dana White.
“Abu Dhabi has been such an important part of the UFC’s overall business for years, and we have seen some incredible events during that time. We have some big plans in store for UFC 294, and I can’t wait for another insane night of fights in October.”
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Abu Dhabi has witnessed some of the biggest fights in MMA, with fight cards headlined by the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and Khamzat Chimaev.
The UAE capital also played a crucial role in sustaining the spot during the Covid pandemic, having hosted events on the bio-secure Fight Island at a time when most sports events around the world were suspended.
The unprecedented move allowed the UFC to hold 12 events in Abu Dhabi from July 2020 to January 2021, keeping fighters active and in shape, and fans entertained during the lockdown.
UFC 294 is part of a partnership between the MMA organisation and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) that was launched in 2019.
“Abu Dhabi and UFC have a deep and trusted partnership dating back more than a decade,” said Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, who promised a memorable combat sports spectacle.
“We understand the passion and desire of fans in the region for world-class events and together we constantly strive to deliver fight cards that appeal to as wide an audience as possible. UFC 294 and the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown will be memorable, and we look forward to announcing the fight card in the coming months.”
Apart from MMA superstars, boxing’s living legend Manny Pacquiao is also poised to fight in Abu Dhabi this year. The retired Filipino boxer is planning a comeback fight against UK boxer Conor Benn in June.
Date
21 October
Location
Etihad Arena, Yas Island
For more information and to gain early access to tickets, visit visitabudhabi.ae/en/campaign/abu-dhabi-showdown-week-2023-ufc-294
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Image source UFC
