UFC 308 signifies the 19th UFC event in the emirate.

Whether you’re a casual or hardcore UFC fan, there’s an upcoming face-off that you won’t want to miss – UFC 308 will take place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 26 October. The event forms part of the landmark partnership between the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), which began in 2019.

UFC 308 will see UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria face off against the No. 2 ranked Max Holloway. The co-main event features top middleweights, No. 3 ranked contender Robert Whittaker and No. 11 ranked Khamzat Chimaev, in a five-round matchup with title implications.

Topuria aims to defend his featherweight title against world-class striker Holloway. Known for his nine first-round finishes, Topuria dethroned UFC legend Alex Volkanovski earlier this year.

Holloway enters the Octagon in Abu Dhabi following a commanding win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, securing the fan-favourite BMF title—one of only three BMF titles ever awarded. Holloway is determined to reclaim the featherweight title this October.

Whittaker aims to deliver a showstopping performance in the co-main event, fresh off his victory over Ikram Aliskerov at UFC’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia. Whittaker seeks to maintain his winning streak in the middleweight division and solidify his legacy with this long-anticipated matchup against Chimaev.

Chimaev steps into the Octagon following a career-defining win against Kamaru Usman. With six wins by knockout, five by submission, and eight first-round finishes, Chimaev aims to continue his undefeated streak and make a statement in this high-stakes bout.

Last year’s event in the capital saw a sold-out Etihad Arena witness Islam Makhachev successfully defend his lightweight title against UFC’s featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who courageously accepted the challenge on short notice. The momentum of UAE MMA continues to soar as UFC signed its first-ever Emirati athlete, Mohammad Yahya, who made his debut in front of a home crowd at UFC 294.

UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi for UFC 308 signifies the 19th UFC event in the emirate, and the second event scheduled for this year, following UFC FIGHT NIGHT on Saturday, 3 August. These events have swiftly cemented their place on the global fight calendar, captivating fans worldwide with unforgettable showdowns among UFC’s superstar athletes.

H.E. 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.”

October will also see the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a seven-day series of city-wide events with dedicated fan events, concerts, hotel promotions, F&B offerings, and star-studded events.

Tickets and VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. These packages include exclusive access with premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes, and more.

GO: Visit www.ufc.com for more information.