UFC 308, set to be the 20th UFC event hosted by the emirate, will headline Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a seven-day series of city-wide events.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), on Friday announced UFC’s much-anticipated next championship event in Abu Dhabi taking place on Oct.26 (Saturday) at the Etihad Arena.

For UFC 308, fan favourite Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is set to return to the UAE capital for a seven-day series of city-wide events with dedicated fan events, concerts, hotel promotions, F&B offerings, star studded events and much more, cementing Abu Dhabi as the entertainment hotspot of the Middle East.

UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi for UFC 308 will mark the 19th UFC event in the emirate and the second event scheduled to take place this year following UFC Fight Night on Aug.3.

 The events are the product of the longtime partnership between UFC and DCT Abu Dhabi, which was expanded last year to include UFC returning to the region with multiple events throughout the year.

These landmark events have rapidly become a staple on the global fight calendar as well as in the region, where fans have witnessed iconic clashes of super-star UFC athletes over the years.

Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting another exhilarating UFC event in Abu Dhabi. Over the past five years, the UAE capital has staged unforgettable fights and witnessed the rise of champions, leaving an everlasting memory for fans around the region and the world. I personally cannot wait to experience UFC 308 firsthand, which further underlines Abu Dhabi's status as the international fight capital.”

The UFC’s most recent visit to Abu Dhabi was last October, with UFC 294 headlined by lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski.