Latest news with #UFC321
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Islam Makhachev clarifies UFC retirement speculation: 'We're just beginning'
People around Islam Makhachev might have certain ideas about the timeline for his retirement from MMA, but he will be the one to make the final call. One of his longtime coaches, Javier Mendez of American Kickboxing Academy, stated this past month that he believes Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) only has three fights remaining in his career, including his expected next bout against UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Shortly thereafter, one of Makhachev's managers, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, said that was incorrect, and he instead believed the former longtime UFC lightweight champion still has at least three good years of competition left. Makhachev said everyone is welcome to share their takes, but right now retirement couldn't be further from his mind. He is focused on conquering a new challenge at 170-pounds and achieving his "dream" of a second belt in a second UFC weight class after vacating lightweight gold. "Javier has his opinion, Ali has his opinion – I have my opinion," Makhachev told MMA Junkie. "We're just beginning. This is a new book. We're just beginning." After some gruelling cuts down to 155 pounds, Makhachev will get some physical relief competing at welterweight and could potentially add more fights to his career. It also comes down to how often he can compete, too. Makhachev had initially hoped for three fights in 2025. Given the change in weight class it's going to be two, and he would prefer UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25, or ideally November's UFC 322 event in New York City. "We will see when I'm going to fight," Makhachev said. "Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi, because still we don't have the day. If not Madison Square Garden, I want to fight in Abu Dhabi. I don't want to wait."
CairoScene
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
UFC 321 Heads to Abu Dhabi With Championship Fights This October
Abu Dhabi hosts UFC 321 this October, headlining Showdown Week with a packed card and major title fights. Jul 02, 2025 UFC is returning to Abu Dhabi with UFC 321, set for October 25th at Etihad Arena. The championship event will anchor Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025, a city-wide celebration of combat sports and entertainment organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). UFC 321 follows a strong legacy of fight nights in the UAE capital, which has hosted more than 20 UFC events since 2010. Before October, the Octagon will first land at Etihad Arena for UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. De Ridder on July 26th, featuring a clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and undefeated submission specialist Reinier de Ridder. Fans looking for an upgraded experience can opt for VIP packages via offering access to fighter meet-and-greets, weigh-ins, and premium seating. More fight card details for UFC 321 are expected soon as Abu Dhabi prepares for another major moment on the global MMA calendar. Tickets go on general sale from Friday, July 25th at the Etihad Arena and Ticket Master websites with early access open now through the Visit Abu Dhabi website.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Another big night in store for fight fans in Abu Dhabi, with UFC 321 confirmed for Oct. 25
ABU DHABI: MMA fans in Abu Dhabi have another top Ultimate Fighting Championship event to look forward to this year. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport UFC 321, at the Etihad Arena on Oct. 25, will headline this year's Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which organizers bill as one of the most anticipated events on the UFC calendar, an unforgettable celebration of the very best in combat sports and live entertainment filled with international championship talent and high-stakes action. Tickets for UFC 321, organized in association with the city's Department of Culture and Tourism, will go on sale on July 25 at and and fans were encouraged to register their interest early at for the best chance to secure their seats. The lineup has yet to be announced. UFC has staged more than 20 events in Abu Dhabi since 2010. Fans in the city do not have to wait until October to get their next taste of big fight action; ahead of UFC 321, the Octagon returns to Etihad Arena on July 26 for UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. De Ridder, as former middleweight champion and No. 5-ranked Robert Whittaker of Australia takes on Dutch rising star Reinier de Ridder in the headline bout.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
UFC is coming back to Abu Dhabi soon and it's going to be epic
Get ready fight fans, because the Octagon is returning to the capital in a big way. UFC 321 lands at Etihad Arena on Saturday October 25 and it's gearing up to be one of the most explosive nights on the fight calendar. Part of the much-hyped Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC 321 promises a stacked card, international championship talent and all the knockout action we've come to expect from the world's premier MMA organisation. Whether you're a seasoned UFC die-hard or just love a big night out, this is not one to miss. When do tickets go on sale? Tickets go on general sale Friday July 25 and fans are being encouraged to register early at Visit Abu Dhabi to get the best shot at grabbing seats before they're gone. You'll be able to buy them through Etihad Arena and Ticketmaster, so set those reminders. If you're a newbie to the Abu Dhabi UFC scene, here's why it's such a big deal. Since first touching down here in 2010, UFC has hosted more than 20 action-packed events in the capital, cementing Abu Dhabi as a heavyweight on the global combat sports map. This year is no exception – with UFC Fight Night warming things up at Etihad Arena on Saturday July 26. Aussie favourite and former champ Robert Whittaker will go toe-to-toe with Reinier de Ridder, a rising star looking to shake up the rankings. And that's just the beginning. While you're at it, if you want to level up your UFC experience premium VIP experience packages for UFC 321 will be available soon via UFC VIP, offering everything from ringside seats and backstage access to meet-and-greets, all-inclusive hospitality and front-row views at weigh-ins. Prices TBC. Fri Oct 25 (tickets on sale Jul 25). Etihad Arena, Yas Island. More going on in Abu Dhabi The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi It's time for some air-conditioned bliss 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go 25 brilliant beach and pool day passes in Abu Dhabi Grab your SPF – a lush day by the water awaits
What's On
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
It's official: UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this October with UFC 321
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for another adrenaline fueled night of action as UFC 321 lands at the Etihad Arena on Friday, October 25, promising a blockbuster card packed with elite fighters, championship stakes, and unmissable entertainment. Announced today (Tuesday, July 1), the event forms the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a city-wide celebration of mixed martial arts and high-energy events. Known for delivering world-class fight cards, legendary UFC moments, and an electric fan atmosphere, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week has become one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures on the global MMA calendar. This year's edition is expected to be no different, with UFC 321 already shaping up to be a must-see. While the fight card is still under wraps, past Abu Dhabi events have brought some of the biggest names in the sport to the Octagon and we're expecting more of the same this year. Abu Dhabi, we're coming! 😤🇦🇪 We'll see YOU for #UFC321 on October 25! 🏆@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi — UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 1, 2025 When do UFC 321 tickets go on sale? General sale opens on Friday, July 25, and fans are encouraged to register their interest early for the best chance to secure seats. Tickets will be available via Etihad Arena and Ticket Master. Want to take your experience up a notch? VIP packages are also available, offering premium seating, exclusive weigh-in access, athlete meet and greets and all-inclusive hospitality. But that's not all… Before UFC 321 lights up the capital in October, fight fans can catch a taste of the action this summer. UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov will take place at the Etihad Arena on Saturday, July 26. Former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker takes on Reinier de Ridder in what's expected to be an electrifying clash between experience and rising talent. Since 2010, Abu Dhabi has hosted more than 20 UFC events, cementing its place as a true global hub for world-class sports and entertainment. This latest announcement is another major win for the capital and for the legions of fight fans across the region. Stay tuned to for fight card updates, ticket reminders and everything you need to know ahead of UFC 321 this October. Images: Abu Dhabi Media Office > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
