The big event will see lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defend his title against former title holder, Charles Oliveira.
MMA fans across the country are in for a treat today — with UFC's return to the capital confirmed for 21 October, tickets to an action-packed night of fights at Etihad Arena on Yas Island are now on sale. It's part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week's fifth edition.
The main event will see UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defend his belt in a rematch against former title holder and No.1 ranked contender, Charles Oliveira. With Makhachev winning his last 12 bouts – and Oliveria winning 12 of his last 13 (including finishes over Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier) – fireworks are all but guaranteed inside the Octagon. Abu Dhabi will also see the highly anticipated return of Khamzat Chimaev as he moves back up to middleweight to take on No.7 ranked contender, Paulo Costa.
VIP Experience packages for Makhachev Vs. Oliveira are currently available via On Location, the UFC's official VIP experience provider. Fans can enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that can feature premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, exclusive pre-fight hospitality, UFC Fighter meet-and-greets, and more. Hotel packages are also currently available via Yas Island's official website, and present an opportunity for both international and regional fans to immerse themselves in the various offerings of Abu Dhabi during a week filled with Abu Dhabi Showdown Week activations.
Additional bouts on the card include:
- No. 2 ranked UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) returns to action looking to make a statement against No. 5 Johnny Walker (Dublin, Ireland by way of Rio das Ostras, Brazil) in a bout with title implications on the line.
- No.13 ranked UFC middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov (12-4, fighting out of Paris, France) will return to the Octagon to face Ikram Aliskerov (14-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia).
- UFC veteran and No. 10 ranked flyweight contender Tim Elliott (20-12-1, fighting out of Missouri, USA) plans to become the first person to defeat rising prospect No. 11 ranked Mohammad Mokaev (10-0 1NC, fighting out of Manchester, England).
UFC 294: Makhachev Vs. Oliveira 2 will be the latest event held as part of a longstanding partnership between leading mixed martial arts organisation UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The city has played host to some of the UFC's most memorable events in recent years, featuring stars such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Aljamain Sterling, Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, Dustin Poirier, and Sean O'Malley. The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will see a series of citywide activations that will span fan events, fighter meet-and-greets, fitness challenges, nightlife parties, F&B offerings and more.
GO: Visit www.etihadarena.ae for tickets and more information.
