A new year dawns, and with it another twelve months of Connecting the World Through Sport. As we stride into a fresh season brimming with promise, ES Sport is gearing up for an exceptional calendar of exclusive access events. Drop by anytime to explore what’s in store.
But first, let’s jump straight into the action — because the world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has been nothing short of explosive.
Fresh from an evening of wit, grit, and behind‑the‑scenes storytelling with UFC legend Michael Bisping at his Tales from the Octagon event, fans were treated to a dramatic night at UFC 321. Titles, rivalries, redemption, scores to settle and rapidly emerging contenders all converged inside the Etihad Arena in October 2025. It was a card that delivered on every front.
And now, the next blockbuster on the Abu Dhabi combat calendar is already looming into view.
UFC Abu Dhabi 2026: Latest UFC News
The UFC returns to the Middle East this July with a rip‑roaring Fight Night at the magnificent Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The promotion’s latest visit promises a sizzling showcase of elite grapplers, knockout artists, and high‑stakes matchups — all set against Abu Dhabi’s now firmly established reputation as a world‑class MMA destination.
A passionate fan base, a spectacular venue, and a fight card packed with intrigue make UFC Abu Dhabi 2026 an unmissable summer showdown.
The UFC Abu Dhabi Story So Far
Abu Dhabi’s ascent as a premier global hub for combat sports continues at pace. In 2024, the city hosted two major UFC events, including UFC 308, where Ilia Topuria retained his featherweight crown with a knockout of Max Holloway. The momentum carried into July 2025, when Reinier de Ridder submitted Robert Whittaker and Johnny Walker dispatched Volkan Oezdemir via TKO.
Then came UFC 321 in October 2025 — a night of drama and debate. A heavyweight title headliner between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended in a ‘no contest’ due to eye damage, sparking immediate calls for a rematch. Mackenzie Dern claimed her first UFC strawweight title, Azamat Murzakanov flattened Aleksandar Rakic in the opening round, and Australian prospect Quillan Salkilld detonated a head‑kick KO on Nasrat Haqparast. Rising flyweight Mitch Raposo added a slick rear‑naked choke to his growing résumé.
With a track record like this, UFC Abu Dhabi 2026 looks destined to deliver another unforgettable night of combat excellence.
UFC Abu Dhabi 2026: The Possibilities Are Immense
Speculation is already swirling, with rumours of a lightweight showdown between Mateusz Gamrot and Arman Tsarukyan — a matchup with genuine title implications and pyrotechnic potential. A much-anticipated rematch between two of the division’s most skilful grapplers.
Fights Trailed So Far:
Announcements are expected in the coming weeks, but several high‑octane clashes are already being whispered about:
Kamaru Usman vs Shavkat Rakhmonov (Welterweight)
The former champion seeks to reassert his dominance against the undefeated Rakhmonov, who boasts 19 straight wins with 18 finishes.
Ikram Aliskerov vs Paulo Costa (Middleweight)
A potential co-main event pitting a surging Dagestani talent against a former title challenger hungry to re-enter the elite conversation.
Jack Della Maddalena vs Vicente Luque (Welterweight)
A guaranteed firefight between two of the division’s most dangerous finishers.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Jonathan Martinez (Bantamweight)
A pivotal clash likely to shape the future title picture.
Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria?
A tantalising whisper. Could the lightweight champion tempt Topuria into stepping up? The chatter refuses to die down.
With elite strikers, dominant grapplers, and rising stars all in the mix, UFC Abu Dhabi 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark event. The Etihad Arena remains one of the UFC’s most iconic international stages, and demand for tickets is expected to soar.
Stay close to ES Sport for exclusive event access and hospitality options as the schedule is confirmed.
Latest UFC News
What’s Next for Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane After Their ‘No Contest’?
Tom Aspinall insists he’s ready to “beat the living daylights” out of Ciryl Gane — but only when fully recovered from the double eye poke that ended their Abu Dhabi title fight.
The heavyweight champion recently underwent surgery to correct double vision and Brown’s Syndrome, telling One On One MMA:
“I’m ready to get back, but my health has got to be right first.
I ain’t gonna do anything compromised… when the time is right, that’s the plan.”
Conor McGregor’s Post-Ban UFC Return Moves Closer
Conor McGregor has agreed to an 18‑month CSAD suspension, backdated to September 2024, making him eligible to compete from March 2026.
He has now set his sights on headlining the UFC’s White House card on 14 June — President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and part of the USA’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Olympic Wrestler Tipped for UFC Stardom
Gable Steveson, 25, is being touted as a future UFC champion after a 24‑second knockout in his second professional MMA bout.
The Olympic gold medallist is expected to make his UFC debut in 2026 on a major card.
Israel Adesanya Confirms His UFC Return.
Former two‑time middleweight champion Nigerian-born New Zealander, Israel Adesanya will return on 28 March, headlining UFC Seattle against powerhouse contender Joe Pyfer.
It’s a pivotal moment for Adesanya as he looks to reset and reignite his title ambitions.
Hot Off the Press
UFC Confirms 11‑Bout Line‑Up for UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira 2 Headlines
The third numbered UFC event of 2026 is locked in — and it’s a blockbuster. UFC 326 lands at the T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, 7 March, topped by a BMF title rematch between reigning champion Max Holloway and former lightweight king Charles Oliveira.
The Paramount+ co‑main event brings further intrigue, with Caio Borralho set to collide with Reinier de Ridder in a compelling middleweight showdown. The promotion has now confirmed an 11‑fight card featuring a mix of elite contenders, rising prospects, and guaranteed action across multiple divisions.
UFC 326 Official Fight Card
- Max Holloway vs Charles Oliveira — BMF Title (Lightweight)
- Caio Borralho vs Reinier de Ridder — Middleweight
- Renato Moicano vs Brian Ortega — Lightweight
- Gregory Rodrigues vs Brunno Ferreira — Middleweight
- Rob Font vs Raul Rosas Jr. — Bantamweight
- Donte Johnson vs Dusko Todorovic — Middleweight
- Cody Garbrandt vs Xiao Long — Bantamweight
- Cody Durden vs Nyamjargal Tumendemberel — Flyweight
- Sumudaerji vs Jesus Aguilar — Flyweight
- JooSang Yoo vs Gaston Bolanos — Featherweight
- Luke Fernandez vs Rodolfo Bellato — Light Heavyweight
*Fight card subject to change
Don’t Forget!
ES Sport will keep you plugged into everything happening in the UFC Universe from global headlines to our own UAE patch, where the Etihad Arena continues to anchor the UFC’s international calendar.
