Dubai, UAE, 29 July 2024: STARZPLAY, the leading subscription video on demand (SVOD) service in the MENA region, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night, set to electrify Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on August 3, 2024. The event further cements Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global hub for world-class sporting events, marking the 18th UFC event hosted in the emirate since UFC 112: INVINCIBLE in April 2010.
Presented in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this event highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to hosting premier sporting events that attract global audiences and showcase the emirate’s unique appeal as a world-class destination. Through this collaboration, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for international sports and entertainment, drawing fans and visitors from around the globe.
The action-packed night will commence with the prelims at 8 PM, leading into the main card at 11 PM. Fans will be treated to an array of thrilling matchups. Headlining the main card is a highly anticipated bantamweight bout between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. Additionally, the light heavyweight clash between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev promises intense action, while featherweights Alex Caceres and Giga Chikadze are set for a high-energy bout. The prelims will feature rising stars like Shavkat Rakhmonov against Neil Magny in a welterweight showdown and Amanda Ribas taking on Angela Hill in a strawweight bout, ensuring an unforgettable evening of combat sports.
H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, Director General of Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), expressed his excitement, stating: “We’re excited to bring UFC Fight Night to Abu Dhabi, showcasing the world’s best fighters to fans across the Middle East. Hosting yet another UFC event in less than a year adds to Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sporting events and attracts MMA fans from around the world to the emirate. Our partnership with UFC adds to our proven track record of hosting major global sports competitions and events and solidifies Abu Dhabi as a world capital for combat sport.”
Emirati fighter Mohammad Yahya, the first Emirati to compete in the UFC, will make his return to the Octagon to take on Brazilian Kaue Fernandes in a lightweight bout. Yahya, who has a professional record of 12-4, will be fighting in front of his home fans and looking to secure his first UFC win.
UFC CEO Dana White shared his enthusiasm, noting: “I love everything about Abu Dhabi and I’m excited to bring another UFC event there. Abu Dhabi is an amazing destination, especially if you are a fight fan. I tell everyone to fly in early, check out the amazing food and experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, and then end the trip with incredible fights.”
Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY, commented: “We are proud to continue our support for UFC and bring this thrilling event to our subscribers. UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi is a testament to the city’s dynamic sports culture and its ability to host major international events. Our viewers can look forward to an action-packed night of top-tier MMA action, available live and exclusive on STARZPLAY.”
