Get set for open workouts, fan experiences and a Saturday Night Showdown
Abu Dhabi is turning up the intensity this week as UFC® Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder lands on Yas Island with a full week of energy-charged fan events, athlete access, and fight night fireworks.
From 21 to 27 July the city transforms into a UFC haven, beginning with the UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall.
Free and open to the public, this interactive zone offers fans the chance to immerse themselves in the world of UFC; whether by stepping into the octagon via VR, posing with replica belts, or catching exclusive merch drops.
The experience runs all week, giving locals and tourists alike a way to get close to the action, even before the punches fly.
See the fighters up close
On Wednesday, 23 July, UFC stars will hit the public stage for the Open Workouts at Yas Mall’s Town Centre.
From 5pm fans can watch top athletes including Robert Whittaker, Reinier de Ridder, Petr Yan, and Shara Magomedov showcase their striking skills and answer fan questions live.
It’s a rare chance to see world-class fighters outside the cage; preparing, performing, and connecting with their supporters. Each athlete will offer a 10-minute workout followed by a brief Q&A, offering insight into their fight week mindset.
From scales to spotlight
Friday brings high-stakes anticipation with two major events. The Official Weigh-Ins kick off early at The Hilton, with athletes stepping on the scale between 9am and 11am confirming they’ve made weight and are ready to fight.
You might also like: 3Fils officially opens at The Abu Dhabi EDITION
While this event is closed to the public, live updates will be streamed on UFC’s digital platforms.
Later that day, the Ceremonial Weigh-Ins invite fans back in; this time to the Etihad Arena, starting at 6pm.
This is where fighters face off, stare down, and ignite the crowd one last time before fight night. It’s a theatrical, high-adrenaline moment that sets the tone for Saturday’s showdown.
Fight Night: The main event
View this post on Instagram
It all culminates on Saturday, 26 with UFC® Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder at Etihad Arena. Doors open at 7pm, and the first bout goes live at 8pm, building toward a main event featuring No. 5 middleweight Robert Whittaker against the versatile and dangerous No. 12 Reinier de Ridder.
With Petr Yan, Marcus McGhee, Shara Magomedov, and more also on the card, fans are in for a full spectrum of combat; from brutal striking to slick submissions.
Inside the arena, media will have full access to the post-fight pressers, while fans can expect electric walkouts, unforgettable moments, and potential fight-of-the-night fireworks.
Whether you’re catching a glimpse of your favorite fighter at the mall, snapping photos at the weigh-ins, or soaking up every second of Fight Night, UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi delivers an experience far beyond the Octagon.
From free fan events to unforgettable finishes, this is fight week, done the UFC way; bold, immersive, and completely unmissable.
Follow Yalla for all the latest sports news