A knockout kind of night
PARTNER CONTENT: Fight fans are in for another blockbuster night as UFC® Fight Night returns to Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, 25 July 2026, bringing another action-packed evening of world-class mixed martial arts to the UAE capital in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
The headline bout has undergone a late change after Khalil Rountree Jr. was forced to withdraw through injury.
Stepping in to face former UFC champion and current No. 1-ranked light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev is hard-hitting Uzbek fighter Bogdan Guskov.
Ankalaev will be looking to reassert himself among the division’s elite and strengthen his claim for another title opportunity, while Guskov, known for his explosive knockout power and aggressive style, has quickly established himself as one of the light heavyweight division’s most dangerous finishers.
Now, he has the chance to secure the biggest victory of his career against one of the UFC’s top-ranked stars.
The card has also grown even stronger with the announcement of two additional bouts. Making his eagerly awaited UFC debut is unbeaten lightweight Magomed “Chanco” Zaynukov, who brings an 8-0 professional record into the Octagon after earning his contract with an impressive unanimous decision victory on Dana White’s Contender Series.
The accomplished Muay Thai specialist faces another undefeated prospect in Poland’s Damian Rzepecki, who boasts a perfect 10-0 record with nine finishes, setting up one of the most intriguing matchups of the night.
Also joining the line-up is an exciting welterweight contest between experienced Argentine favourite Santiago Ponzinibbio and England’s Sam Patterson.
Ponzinibbio returns to Abu Dhabi for the first time since competing in 2021, while Patterson arrives full of confidence after winning four of his last five UFC appearances and will be looking to continue his rise up the rankings.
Elsewhere on the card, fans can look forward to more international talent and rising stars, including heavyweight and light heavyweight contests featuring Gokhan Saricam vs Louie Sutherland, Steve Erceg vs Ramazan Temirov, Valter Walker vs Thomas Petersen, as well as another highly anticipated UFC debut when Magomed Tuchalov takes on Brendson Ribeiro.
Yas Island, the home of entertainment
Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as one of the UFC’s favourite international destinations, with Etihad Arena regularly hosting some of the organisation’s biggest fight nights outside the United States.
Beyond the action inside the Octagon, visitors can make the most of everything Yas Island has to offer. Home to attractions including Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, world-class hotels, award-winning restaurants and beautiful beaches, it’s the perfect destination for a summer getaway that combines elite sport with unforgettable entertainment.
The electric atmosphere, passionate fans and world-class facilities have made the UAE capital a regular stop on the UFC calendar and a must-visit destination for MMA enthusiasts from around the globe.
Tickets are on sale now, with a range of travel packages also available that combine accommodation and event access, making it even easier to turn UFC Fight Night into an unforgettable summer weekend on Yas Island.
Saturday, 25 July. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. For further information or to register for tickets, visit Ticketmaster.ae
