Caption: UFC 333 will take place at Etihad Arena on October 24 as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The UFC will return to Abu Dhabi in October 2026 for a numbered event, with UFC 333 set to take place in the UAE capital.
The promotion has been in the city all week for a summer Fight Night and chose Saturday's event to announce details of the major card, which will be held at Etihad Arena on October 24.
The event will form part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a celebration of combat sports and fan experiences organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
Last October, Abu Dhabi hosted the heavyweight title showdown between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. The bout ended in a disappointing no contest after Gane made contact with Aspinall's eye, but the matchup reflected the calibre of contests UFC president Dana White typically reserves for the promotion's visits to the UAE.
Saturday's Fight Night, headlined by the light-heavyweight clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov, was the 23rd UFC event staged in Abu Dhabi. UFC 333 will mark the promotion's 24th event in the emirate.
The partnership between the UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi dates back to 2010 and is set to continue through 2028.
Fans are encouraged to register their interest at VisitAbuDhabi.ae for the best chance of securing tickets, as well as access to exclusive hotel packages for travelling supporters.
VIP packages for UFC 333 will be available soon through On Location, the UFC's official VIP experience provider.
The packages include premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, access to an all-inclusive private lounge, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and other exclusive experiences.
Further details are available at UFCVIP.com.