The countdown has officially begun! This July 26, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi is going to be the centre of the MMA universe as UFC Fight Night lands in the capital. And let’s just say, this one’s going to be explosive! The hype is already off the charts, especially with former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker going head-to-head with Reinier de Ridder, the undefeated Dutch king of submissions. That matchup alone is enough to get your adrenaline pumping. But there’s more! While we’re still waiting for the full fight card to drop, these 3 electrifying potential matchups are already making serious waves. If you’re a fight fan (or even just a casual viewer who loves a good showdown), these are the ones you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Also read: Heading To UFC Abu Dhabi This July? Here Are The 8 Best Hotels Near Etihad Arena For An Epic Weekend
Movsar Evloev vs Aaron Pico
An Undefeated Machine Meets a Wild Card
This one has all the makings of a co-main event that could steal the show. Movsar Evloev is walking into Abu Dhabi with a spotless record, 19 wins, zero losses, and a reputation for being nearly impossible to figure out. His technical game is sharp, he moves like a chess master in the cage, and his ability to wear opponents down round after round has made him one of the most feared names in the featherweight division.
Then there’s Aaron Pico, who’s finally making his long-awaited UFC debut after tearing it up in Bellator. At 28 years old, Pico has already stacked up a highlight reel of brutal knockouts and dominant finishes, and now he’s bringing that firepower to the biggest stage of them all. He’s explosive, unpredictable, and known for going all-in from the first bell.
This fight is going to be a clash of styles in the best way. Evloev will try to keep things calculated and clean, while Pico will be swinging for the fences. If Movsar can survive the early storm, he might be able to slowly take over. But if Pico lands one of those bombs early on, the Etihad Arena might just shake.
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee
A Champion’s Comeback vs A Rising Wrecking Ball
Next up, we’ve got Petr “No Mercy” Yan, a former UFC bantamweight champ and one of the most technically sound strikers in the game. After a tough run and some time away from the octagon, he’s back. And by the looks of it, he’s coming for everyone. Yan’s recent wins have shown he’s still got that icy composure and killer instinct that made him champ in the first place.
Facing him is Marcus “The Maniac” McGhee, a rising star who’s quickly becoming known for his knockout power and pressure-heavy style. With a 10-1 record and plenty of hype, McGhee is the kind of fighter who doesn’t wait around. He just throws down hard and fast. He’s hungry, dangerous, and sees Yan as the perfect opportunity to rocket up the rankings.
What makes this fight so exciting is the energy each fighter brings. Yan is calculated and cold (a real tactician). McGhee is chaos with gloves. If McGhee tries to bulldoze his way through, he’ll need to avoid Yan’s counters and slick movement. But if he can land clean, we might see an upset that shakes up the division.
Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov
A Fresh Start vs a Family Legacy
Rounding out the trio you must see this July 26, is a fight that’s quietly one of the most intriguing on the card. Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell is making his bantamweight debut, and it could be exactly what he needs to get his momentum back. After a tough loss to Josh Emmett and a gritty win over Kron Gracie, Mitchell is dropping down a division to reset and refocus. Known for his slick grappling and unpredictable style, he’s always been a fan favourite — and now he’s got a new challenge in front of him.
Enter Said Nurmagomedov, a dangerous striker with a deep fighting lineage (yes, he’s related to that Nurmagomedov family). Said has a record of 18–4 and is looking to prove he’s not just riding on a famous last name. He hits hard, moves fast, and doesn’t back down. And he’s coming into this matchup fully expecting to dominate.
For Mitchell, this is about reinvention and proving that the move to 135 lbs was the right call. For Nurmagomedov, it’s about making a statement and climbing the bantamweight ladder. Expect fast-paced scrambles, unpredictable exchanges, and a whole lot of heart from both sides.
This Fight Night Is Going To Be Wild!
With these three matchups already creating buzz, Fight Night Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be an unforgettable night of action. There’s something here for every kind of fight fan. From the undefeated star vs. the newcomer, to the comeback of a former champion, and a clash between 2 determined warriors trying to carve out their legacy.
Whether you’re watching live from the Etihad Arena or streaming from home, these fights are the kind that get your heart racing and keep you glued to the screen. So mark your calendar for July 26, because this card is stacked, the stakes are high, and the energy is going to be absolutely electric. Don’t forgot to get your tickets here, before it’s too late!
The octagon is coming back with a bang this UFC Fight Night!
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