
UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for thrilling fight night on July 26
20 Mar 2025 19:18
ABU DHABI (WAM)The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation, have announced the return of UFC to Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 26th July, at the Etihad Arena.UFC returns to Abu Dhabi following two spectacular events in 2024. In October, UFC 308: Topuria vs Holloway featured Spain's Ilia Topuria defending his featherweight title with a stunning third-round knockout over top contender Max Holloway. In August, fans were treated to an elite bantamweight showdown at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov, where Umar Nurmagomedov secured a hard-fought victory over Cory Sandhagen with a five-round decision.
With 20 events held in the emirate since 2010, UFC has become a mainstay in the region's sports and entertainment calendar. Through its long-term partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, UFC continues to bring exciting fight cards featuring top global talents to the UAE capital. With a passionate fan base and state-of-the-art venues, Abu Dhabi has become a global sports hub for major events.

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Al Etihad
12 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Submission specialists headline Arabia v Africa card
11 June 2025 22:12 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi is set to host a double dose of mixed martial arts (MMA) action this weekend as UAE Warriors stages its 59th and 60th events at Space42 Arena in Al Raha. With two action-packed cards featuring regional stars and international contenders, fans are bracing for fireworks inside the octagon – especially with two high-stakes main events headlining each spotlight first falls on Friday's regional UAEW 59 or Arabia v Africa card, where Palestinian-Finnish sensation Abdul Hussein meets Algeria's Sami Yahia in a bantamweight main event that is being billed as a clash of silken submission nicknamed "The Limb-Locker", has been nothing short of spectacular since joining the UAE Warriors promotion. Undefeated in three bouts under the banner and five in a row overall, he boasts a trio of memorable finishes: a first-round submission over Mahmoud Abd El Raouf on debut, followed by a second-round TKO of Hansraj Samota, and most recently, a clinical bulldog choke that dispatched Eduardo Mora in Al a stellar Pro MMA Record of 12-2-0, Abdul is swiftly becoming one of MMA's most promising talents. He has been undefeated since his debut loss at Al Etihad Arena, making him a fan favourite in Abu opponent, Sami Yahia, brings a veteran presence to the cage with one defeat in nine bouts and a well-rounded skillset forged on the European circuit. The Algerian-born French fighter is known for combining striking volume with suffocating wrestling and cage control. Ranked among the top 40 bantamweights globally, Yahia will be looking to derail Hussein's momentum and make a title case of his own with a fourth successive victory bout is being framed as a clash of styles: Hussein's ground game is his biggest weapon, and if the fight goes to the mat, he'll be hunting for another slick submission. Yahia, on the other hand, may try to keep the bout standing, using his experience and cardio to drag the younger fighter into deep waters. While fan sentiment is heavily leaning toward Hussein, the main event is anything but a foregone conclusion."I see myself much better in all areas in this MMA," said Hussein while talking about his rival Yahia and the strategic match-up. "If we are standing, I have the advantage. If he takes me down, I will submit him; or I will sweep him and elbow him from the top. So I have been training for all scenarios at two places [in Finland] and I must say this has been my best preparation for any fight."The UFC hopeful even went one step ahead in his show of confidence. "I can already see myself with the belt around my waist and see Dana White [the UFC President] calling me," said Hussein with a mischievous night brings the stakes even higher with UAE Warriors 60, headlined by a clash for the Interim Flyweight Championship between Brazil's Victor Nunes and the UK-based Somalian, Muhidin Abubakar. Nunes enters the bout with a 9–1 record and a reputation as a knockout artist. He'll be aiming to impose his striking game and secure the interim belt with an emphatic across from him will be Abubakar, a grappling specialist riding a five-fight win streak. Known for his durability and submission savvy, he's seen by many as the more complete fighter heading into this matchup. Currently ranked second in the UK and Ireland's flyweight division, Abubakar is fighting not just for the interim title, but to stake a claim for undisputed gold down the line. With the stylistic contrast – striker versus grappler – the fight promises tension and drama. Beyond the two headline acts, both cards feature plenty of intrigue. With potential champions, highlight-reel finishes, and reputations on the line, UAE Warriors 59 and 60 promise to deliver two nights of unmissable action.


Al Etihad
13 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE's candidate elected President of Airsports Federation of Asia
11 June 2025 20:58 DUBAI (WAM)The General Assembly of the Airsports Federation of Asia (AFA) has unanimously elected the UAE's candidate, Yousef Hassan Al Hammadi, as President of the continental federation for a new four-year term. The election took place on Wednesday in Dubai during the General Assembly of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).The election demonstrates the significant confidence in Emirati capabilities within continental and international systems, alongside the UAE's expanding role in advancing air sports regionally and his election, Al Hammadi said that this new role is a substantial responsibility and will drive him to further promote and expand air sports throughout the continent. He affirmed his dedication to representing the UAE with distinction in this capacity. The meeting also included the election of the new AFA Executive Committee members.


Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
E1H trains startups for leg up in sports ecosystem
11 June 2025 00:18 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The management company that organises some of the region's biggest sporting events such as the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, UFC and the NBA games has completed their first cohort of grooming sports-focused the UAE's first dedicated sports ecosystem and incubator, the Ethara 1TW Innovation Hub (E1H) was established to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE and the wider region by providing startups with access to expertise, commerce and the end of a six-week programme, in which eight early-stage ventures received strategic guidance, a Pitch event was held at the Yas Marina Circuit's Conference Centre to provide funding avenues to support and fast-track their eight ventures were an eclectic mix, yet, targeting multi-faceted instance, ParkBuddy is trying to address everyone's pet peeve during major events – finding a parking spot. A couple of initiatives, such as a website ArabsMMA and a podcast-newsletter Mettleset, are trying to spread the word about their niche areas through the communications is a sustainability drive involving recycling waste which is being spearheaded by Green Light are use-cases of artificial intelligence, data and robotics being utilised from organisation to operations either for employee engagement or smoothening workflows in logistical services with companies such as Athlyn, Neoma and Icosium then there is eSportian, which is looking at the future of education and the rising scene of e-sports in the region.'E-Sports is big here and in the MENA region,' said Ivan Kerkoc, the founder and a professor at a Spanish university in Barcelona. 'Yet, when it comes to academics and accompanying scholarships, the choices are limited. There are those who are good at e-sports but need support in their education in countries where e-sports have recognition and established affordable education."And there are some who excel in both areas and would like to come here for playing and job opportunities in gaming companies.'ParkBuddy is focusing only on events in Dubai for now, but the expansion plans are on the anvil. The startup promises dynamic and flexible parking solutions; advanced planning will go a long way to ensuring a smooth experience for motorists.'We work with organisers and authorities such as police at times to have multiple options for every type of situation, however dynamic they may be,' said Daniel Hachem, the founder of mobile app-based solution not only directs consumers to available parking spots and reduces long walks, it can reserve a parking spot for a small only one in the group to get a brand sponsor attached is the pioneering media platform focusing on women in MENA sports, The Mettleset. Led by Dawn Barnable, a Canadian endurance athlete, her upcoming website is trying to bridge the gap between athletes, their stories and sports content where the sportswear company New Balance has already come on board.'Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Ethara,' said Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, the CEO of Ethara in his address. 'That's why we created E1H with our partners at OneToWatch (1TW). We want to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to build new ventures that add value not just to Ethara but to Abu Dhabi's global vision for sport and entertainment.' E1H Cohort 1 startups ArabsMMA – Zahi EphremA marketer and martial artist, Zahi founded ArabsMMA, the first media platform dedicated to combat sports in the Middle – Ahmed OmarWith 15-plus years' experience in the UAE sports and corporate sectors, Omar's platform bridges sport and corporate – Ivan KerkocA Spanish university professor and former NCAA recruiter, Kerkoc founded Esportian to merge traditional sports and esports Technologies – Billel Boudouma and Mohamed AliThis venture blends robotics, artificial intelligence and human experience to deliver real-world micro-automation – Daniel HachemDaniel aims to revolutionise urban mobility through smart parking solutions, drawing on his engineering and entrepreneurial – Francois ChabaudieWith a background in private equity and consulting, Chabaudie created Neoma to improve human interaction through smart Mettleset – Dawn BarnableA seasoned communicator and endurance athlete, Dawn founded The Mettleset to tell meaningful stories through the lens of Light Events – Robert Angelieri An event operations expert, Robert drives innovation in sustainable events through branding, logistics and venue strategy. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi