The UFC is heading back to Abu Dhabi, and this year’s edition looks intense. On July 26, 2025, the Etihad Arena will host a night packed with high-stakes clashes, featuring rising contenders, seasoned names, and a main event that already feels like a style clash made in MMA heaven.
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder: power vs control
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker takes on Reinier de Ridder, a former dual-titleholder in ONE Championship. This is de Ridder’s first big UFC test, and it’s a rough one. Whittaker’s sharp footwork and elite striking go up against a suffocating grappling game that’s turned heads in Asia. It’s less about talk, more about contrast.
Shara Magomedov steps into the spotlight
One name fans are keeping an eye on? Shara Magomedov. Unbeaten, unpredictable, and already building hype. He’ll face Marc-André Barriault, a gritty, no-nonsense striker who’s seen it all in the Octagon. For Magomedov, this isn’t just another fight. It’s a statement opportunity. And he knows it.
Here’s what else is on the lineup
- Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov: a light heavyweight slugfest that could shake up the top 10 depending on how it ends.
- Asu Almabayev vs Ramazan Temirov: two fast-paced flyweights going head-to-head. Expect movement, speed, and angles.
- Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana: middleweights with something to prove. Both need a breakout performance. One of them might just deliver it.
Abu Dhabi and the UFC: still a perfect fit
This will be the 21st time the UFC lands in Abu Dhabi. From Khabib’s domination to Makhachev’s rise, the Octagon has history in this city. And UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 continues that tradition — not by chasing legacy, but by lining up meaningful fights that fans actually want to see.
More matchups are expected to drop in the coming weeks, but the core of this card already looks dangerous. Whether it’s names like Whittaker and de Ridder, or prospects fighting for relevance, UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most complete cards.
