Heading to UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi this Saturday? Then get ready for an electric night of huge fights, roaring crowds and unforgettable moments at Etihad Arena. Whether you’re driving in from Dubai, planning to stay overnight on Yas Island or looking to make a full day of it with great food and fan experiences, we’ve got everything covered. So, keep reading for your complete UFC Abu Dhabi guide before the first punch is thrown.
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Getting To Etihad Arena & Where To Park
Travelling from Dubai? The quickest route is via the E11 towards Abu Dhabi, with the drive typically taking around 45 minutes in light traffic. If you’re coming from Sharjah, take the E311 or E611 before joining the E11 southbound. Already in Abu Dhabi? Yas Island is around a 25-minute drive from the city centre!
Parking is available at Etihad Arena. However, spaces disappear quickly on major event nights, so arrive early! Alternatively, park at Yas Mall and hop on the complimentary air-conditioned shuttle service, which runs every few minutes and reaches the arena in around five minutes. If you’d rather skip driving altogether, taxis are readily available across Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, both Careem and Uber offer convenient rides directly to the venue.
Hotels Near Etihad Arena
The action is expected to continue well into the early hours of Sunday! That means staying at a nearby hotel is a smart choice if you’d rather avoid late-night traffic.
1. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
This modern waterfront hotel combines stylish rooms with plenty of dining options. Guests also receive complimentary access to Yas Island’s biggest attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.
- Where: Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 11 AM
- Contact: (02) 208 6888
2. Park Inn By Radisson Yas Island
Perfect for a relaxed post-fight stay. This hotel offers beach access, a swimming pool, spa facilities and easy access to Yas Links. Best of all, it’s just minutes from Etihad Arena!
- Where: Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 12 PM
- Contact: (02) 656 2222
3. Crowne Plaza Yas Island
With several restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness centre and family-friendly facilities, Crowne Plaza is another great option just a short distance from the arena.
- Where: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Check-in: 3 PM | Check-out: 12 PM
- Contact: (800) 012 0003
Did You Know There’s A Free UFC Fan Experience At Yas Mall?!
You don’t need a fight ticket to soak up the atmosphere before Saturday night. Running until July 25, the free UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall features interactive activities. These include the EA Sports UFC gaming station, Grip Challenge, Striking Challenge, Kick Power activations and plenty more.
Throughout Friday and Saturday, UFC GYM is also hosting live sparring sessions, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, fitness challenges and exhibition bouts.
Ceremonial Weigh-Ins & Fighter Q&A
The excitement continues on Friday, July 24, at Etihad Arena. Doors open at 4 PM, followed by a live Q&A session featuring Carlos Ulberg, Lerone Murphy and Shara Magomedov before the ceremonial weigh-ins begin. Later in the evening, the three fighters will also make an appearance at Yas Mall for a fan meet-and-greet.
Full UFC Abu Dhabi Schedule
- July 22: Open Workouts – Yas Mall
- July 22–25: UFC Fan Experience – Yas Mall
- July 24: Ceremonial Weigh-Ins & Fighter Q&A – Etihad Arena
- July 24 & 25: UFC GYM Activities – Yas Mall
- July 25: UFC Fight Night – Etihad Arena
Who Is Fighting?
The headline bout sees former UFC light-heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev take on Bogdan Guskov. Ankalaev returns to Abu Dhabi looking to bounce back after losing the title and secure another shot at championship gold. The Dagestani fighter has enjoyed plenty of success in the UAE, having previously defeated Ion Cutelaba and Volkan Oezdemir. Guskov steps in as a replacement opponent after Khalil Rountree Jr withdrew because of injury.
Full UFC Fight Card
Main Event
- Magomed Ankalaev vs Bogdan Guskov
Main Card
- Steve Erceg vs Ramazan Temirov
- Islam Dulatov vs Wellington Turman
- Magomed Zaynukov vs Damian Rzepecki
- Tyrell Fortune vs Rizvan Kuniev
- Ismael Bonfim vs Alez Sola
When Does UFC Fight Night Start?
The event takes place at Etihad Arena, Yas Island.
- Doors Open: 4 PM
- Preliminary Card: 5 PM
- Main Card: 8 PM
Are Tickets Still Available?
There are still limited tickets available for UFC Fight Night through Ticketmaster, so last-minute fans still have a chance to experience the action live.
Not Heading To The Arena? Here’s How To Watch UFC Abu Dhabi
Can’t make it to Yas Island? UFC Fight Night will be streamed live across the UAE on Starzplay, so you won’t have to miss a second of the action.
Whether you’re heading ringside, planning a Yas Island staycation or simply tuning in from home, UFC Fight Night is shaping up to be one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest sporting events of the summer. However you’re watching, expect plenty of action! And don’t forget to keep an eye on Gulf Buzz for the latest updates on everything happening around the UAE.
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