Latest news with #UFCFightNight
Time Out Dubai
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
The countdown is on for a knockout night in Abu Dhabi: UFC Fight Night
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for another major moment on the sporting calendar – UFC Fight Night is back, and the action is set to take over the capital on Saturday July 26 at Etihad Arena. If you've been itching to head out, this is one event that's guaranteed to stir up the energy. This year's card is headlined by a massive middleweight clash, as No.5 ranked Robert Whittaker steps into the Octagon against Reinier de Ridder. The Dutch star, who's been steadily rising through the ranks, will go toe-to-toe with one of the division's most seasoned fighters. Oh and the undercard is stacked alright, here are the matches you can catch: Sharaputdin Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault (Middleweight): This could end up being the fight of the night Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight): This one's got KO written all over it. Ramazan Temirov vs Asu Almabayev (Flyweight): Expect speed, precision and fireworks. Doors open from 5.30pm, giving fans plenty of time to grab their seats and soak up the build-up before fists fly. UFC® Fight Night: Whittaker vs. De Ridder marks the 21st UFC event in Abu Dhabi and if that tells you anything, it's that the capital has become a mainstay in MMA's global journey. Abu Dhabi continues to be UFC's most consistent host outside North America, with the emirate playing a central role in the sport's international expansion. The fight night is part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week – a seven-day takeover that transforms the city into a hotspot for all things UFC. From fan events and live shows to the high-energy UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall, the build-up brings plenty of reasons to join the fun even before fight night arrives. And it doesn't stop there. Abu Dhabi's calendar is stacked with big-name gigs (we're talking Jennifer Lopez, Scorpions and Benson Boone), major sporting moments (hello, F1) and loads of festivals. With so much on offer, the city has firmly carved its place as a go-to destination for global entertainment. From F1 races to MMA fight nights, the variety on show means there's something for every kind of fan. As for tickets, prices start at Dhs195, with various tiers available depending on how close to the action you want to be. For those after the full VIP treatment, has premium packages that include backstage access and athlete meet-and-greets. Ready to watch the fights live? Book your tickets via From Dhs195. Sat Jul 26, from 5.30pm. Etihad Arena.
What's On
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
It's UFC Fight Week: don't miss these free experiences
UFC Fight Night is just around the corner, and ahead of the big showdown on Saturday, July 26, there's a packed week of free UFC experiences to enjoy across Yas Island. From fighter workouts to ceremonial weigh-ins, here's where and when to catch all the build-up live and in person. UFC Fan Experience Running all week long, the UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall is your first stop. It's free, open to the public, and packed with fun, immersive activations for all ages. Expect plenty of Instagrammable moments and interactive elements that bring the spirit of the Octagon to life. Location: Yas Mall Date: everyday until July 27 UFC Fight Night: Open Workout Get up close with some of the biggest names on the fight card as they take to the stage at Yas Mall for an open workout session. You'll see them in action, hear them speak (conducted in both English and Arabic), and feel the energy ahead of fight night. Location: Yas Mall Town Centre Date: Wednesday, July 23 Times: Doors open at 5pm Confirmed athletes include: Robert Whittaker (No.5 UFC Middleweight) Reinier de Ridder (No.12 UFC Middleweight) Petr Yan (No.3 UFC Bantamweight) Shara Magomedov (UFC Middleweight) Schedule: 6pm: Reinier de Ridder 6:15pm: Petr Yan 6:30pm: Shara Magomedov 6:45pm: Robert Whittaker UFC Fight Night: Ceremonial Weigh-Ins Feel the intensity build as the fighters step on the scale ahead of fight night. The ceremonial weigh-ins are always a high-energy spectacle, with athlete face-offs and Q&A moments that fans won't want to miss. Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island Date: Friday, July 25 Times: Doors open at 4:30pm Schedule: 5pm: Athlete Q&A 6pm: Ceremonial weigh-ins All above events are free and open to the public No tickets? No problem. These events are open to everyone, just show up and soak in the fight night atmosphere Looking to grab tickets to the actual UFC Fight Night event this Saturday, July 26, tickets are selling out fast via and Images: Archive > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The National
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
James Llontop eyes UAE Warriors welterweight title and eventual UFC return
UAE Warriors swings into action this week, just days before UFC Fight Night returns to Abu Dhabi. The capital promotion is back with a double-header over two nights at Space42 Arena in Al Raha that includes Jordanian fighter Ali Al Qaisi lining up a record third title. On Wednesday's UAE Warriors 61 card, former featherweight title-holder Al Qaisi tackles bantamweight champion Sylvester Chipfumbo of Zimbabwe for the inaugural intercontinental featherweight belt. In Thursday's UAE Warriors 62, Khotam Boynazarov defends his welterweight title against promotion debutant James Llontop from Peru. Llontop, 25, was released by UFC after three defeats but has bounced back since then with back-to-back victories in the Fusion Fight Championship. He overcame Brazilian Yuri Neles by unanimous decision in his first fight since being released by the UFC before registering a second-round TKO against Argentina's Dante Romero to win the FFC welterweight title. Now Llontop, who holds a 16-5 mixed martial arts record, is looking to continue that momentum by claiming another strap that he hopes will one day lead to a recall to the UFC. 'I'm happy with the opportunity to fight for another title for a new promotion and a first appearance in Abu Dhabi,' Llontop told The National through a translator on the sidelines of the pre-fight presser at the Palms Sports headquarters. 'I'm prepared to fight for any promotion around the world. In the UAE Warriors, in One Championship, in the PFL, but my real motivation is to go back to UFC and perhaps fight for a title. 'Competing in the UFC was one of the best experiences in my life. It really made me a more mature athlete and fighter, and now I'm more than ready for new challenges. 'Of course, I was sad when I was released by UFC. It taught me a lot of things, and that's the way it works in a professional set-up. I accept that decision from the organisation.' Boynazarov presents a formidable obstacle to Llontop's ambitions. The Uzbek is undefeated in 10 fights and is riding high after claiming a unanimous decision over Tahir Abdullaev last October to claim the UAE Warriors welterweight title. 'It's a really tough fight for both of us. He's going to try to use his grappling, I'm trying to use my striking,' Llontop said of the champion. 'The one that performs the best in the first moment is going to be the one who would get into the rhythm of the fight.' Llontop first started training in combat sports age 10 with dreams of one day fighting for the world's lead MMA promotion, the UFC. He began as an amateur 10 years ago, and made up his mind he would pursue a career as a fighter full-time. 'I finished high school and had made up my mind to become a pro fighter. I didn't pursue anything else other than training MMA.' Llontop is married and has a four-year-old son whose name (Tadeo) is tattooed on his forehead over his right eye. A stable home life helps keep him grounded, he says. 'I spend most of my free time with my son and wife, my sisters, mum and dad,' he said. 'Peru is known for its food, so we like to go eat and sometimes go to the cinema, nothing spectacular.' Llontop arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night. 'The weather is really hot," he joked, "but we're used to extreme things back in Peru." Llontop says he plans to stay in Abu Dhabi for Saturday's UFC Fight Night, backing Reinier de Ridder to come out on top against the former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. 'It will be a really good fight, but I think RDR appears to have the edge. He's in great shape and form.'
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC 318 winner Jimmy Crute explains callout of 'crafty' Dustin Jacoby for Perth
NEW ORLEANS – Jimmy Crute is ready to make a title run after UFC 318. Crute (13-4-2 MMA, 5-4-2 UFC) submitted Marcin Prachnio (17-9 MMA, 4-7 UFC) with a first-round armbar in Saturday's prelims at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. After the win, Crute called out Dustin Jacoby (21-9-1 MMA, 9-6-1 UFC) for the upcoming UFC Fight Night on Sept. 27 from RAC Arena in Perth. "I just think it's a good fight for both of us," Crute told reporters during the post-fight news conference. "It's a good test for both of us, and I know that's not an easy fight. He's a hell of a crafty dude, so that's just the name that came to my head. I didn't think about it beforehand, but when I was in the moment, it popped into my head." Crute returned to the win column for the first time since 2020. He took an almost two-year break from fighting in 2023 and feels rejuvenated to finally live up to his potential. "I've been learning on the job," Crute said. "I had one amateur fight, seven pro wins, and outside of that, I had like 50 jiu-jitsu matches on the regional scene in Australia. No striking matches so, I've been learning on the job pretty much in the UFC. I don't have much experience in the way of fights so, I feel like it's my time to shine now. I see a world title in my picture for the first time in my career. I've never been able to visualize it, and I see it there."
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
'Bullet' Magomedov out to hunt for 'Powerbar' Barriault
20 July 2025 23:08 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI) Dagestani middleweight Sharaptudin "Bullet" Magomedov is aiming for a high-octane return to the Octagon when he faces Marc-André "Powerbar" Barriault at UFC Fight Night on July 26 in Abu Dhabi, pledging a refined and focused performance in the middleweight category following his first UFC loss to Michael Page in a 4-1 UFC record, Magomedov built a reputation for wild, crowd-pleasing fights, securing three 'Fight of the Night' bonuses before the setback against Page, nicknamed Venom, earlier this year. The one-eyed Magomedov, affectionately called Sharo, will be the fan favourite in the other middleweight bout on a card headlined by former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and Dutch standout Reinier de Ridder, who has made an impressive transition from the ONE Championship. The No.12-ranked De Ridder, undefeated in his three UFC bouts to date, could earn a division title eliminator should he defeat Whittaker. The UFC promotion is touting this weekend to go down in the global calendar as one of their expected top three most thrilling Fight Night cards of the the 30-year-old Magomedov, speaking ahead of the bout through an interpreter to Aletihad at the UFC Gym in Al Maqta Mall, said he is now taking his career more seriously and is determined to showcase a more complete version of his striking-heavy arsenal."Until now, in my bouts, I tried to show off every round. Now it is more about technique. I want the world to see my full arsenal," said Magomedov. The flamboyant striker admitted the loss to Page was a wake-up call. "Before, it was like a hobby. Now I want to show my professional side to the fans. I'm serious – for my health, for my team, for my training."There had been some speculation that the timing of the defeat - which followed a widely publicised meeting with football star Cristiano Ronaldo - may have caused distraction. Yet, Magomedov dismissed that idea but admitted physical limitations played a role in the loss."Ronaldo gave me motivation, he said to Telecom Asia Sport. "But my body was not ready, I was not completely healthy for that fight. Afterwards, Ronaldo called and told me not to worry – that it's just one loss, and to focus on the next fight. It gave me confidence again."Magomedov's opponent, Barriault, enters the Abu Dhabi clash following a win over Bruno Silva – the same fighter Magomedov knocked out on his UFC debut five bouts ago."I finished Bruno Silva with a knockout. Marc-André won after me when Bruno's career was going down. But Marc is strong – there are no weak opponents in UFC," he said. "He is like a firefighter, relentless, always going forward. But I am ready. I have an answer for every situation." Magomedov lost one eye in an injury early in his mixed martial arts career. Even then, his aggressive and unpredictable striking often stood in contrast with the dominant grappling style associated with Dagestani fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov. Incidentally, Magomedov has carved a path of his own after he could not join the famed academy of Khabib's father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in his early years because he did not want to shave his head in training as the coach wanted to. Magomedov has acknowledged the stylistic divide but said he remains respectful of the former champion, who is now based in Dubai and remains a towering figure in the region's MMA landscape. "I respect Khabib very much. I have met him and listened to what he tells me. He is a great guy for all of us from Dagestan. He is more of a wrestler, I am a striker – so we have different styles. But when we meet, if he gives me any advice, I try to follow it."With UFC returning to the Middle East, Magomedov has promised fireworks – and perhaps another Fight of the Night – as he looks to reestablish himself as a force in the 84-kilogramme division. "This time, I am serious. So God help me – I will show all my arsenal."
