Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has quickly become the UFC’s premier hub in the Middle East, serving as the centerpiece of “Fight Island” branding and recurring pay-per-view events. Opened in 2021, the modern indoor arena seats around 18,000 for combat sports and offers a flexible configuration that suits both intimate Fight Night broadcasts and global-level numbered events. The venue’s waterfront location, integrated resort infrastructure, and government-backed hosting model make it a strategic pillar in the UFC’s international calendar.
Abu Dhabi’s relationship with the UFC predates Etihad Arena, but the building has hosted major cards such as UFC 267, UFC 280, and UFC 294, UFC 308 and UFC 321. These cards often feature title fights and high-profile contenders, reflecting the promotion’s commitment to delivering premium lineups to the region. The time-zone advantage for Europe and the Middle East, combined with bespoke fan experiences on Yas Island, gives Etihad Arena a unique identity within the UFC’s venue rotation.
Three biggest fights at Etihad Arena
UFC 267: Błachowicz vs. Teixeira (October 30, 2021)
Card highlights
- Jan Błachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira (light heavyweight title)
- Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen (interim bantamweight title)
- Islam Makhachev vs. Dan Hooker
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Li Jingliang
Teixeira submitted Błachowicz in the second round to complete one of MMA’s great late-career title runs, while Yan outpointed Sandhagen in a striking clinic. We also the progression of two of the world’s elite fighters today in Makhachev and Chimaev, each dominating their fights.
UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev (October 22, 2022)
Card highlights
- Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev (vacant lightweight title)
- Aljamain Sterling vs. T.J. Dillashaw (bantamweight title)
- Petr Yan vs. Sean O’Malley
- Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot
Makhachev submitted Oliveira in the second round to claim the lightweight crown in front of a raucous crowd, Sterling retained after Dillashaw’s shoulder issues derailed the challenge, and O’Malley edged Yan by razor-close decision to vault into title contention.
UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 (October 21, 2023)
Card highlights
- Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 (lightweight title)
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman
- Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
Makhachev scored a head-kick knockout in the first round of the rematch with Volkanovski to silence any remaining doubts about his championship credentials, while Chimaev’s close decision win over Usman reinforced his status as a dangerous middleweight contender.
Event information, arena layout, and hospitality packages for upcoming UFC cards are listed on the Etihad Arena official site.