When the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) signed its long-term partnership with UFC in 2019, it did so with a clear vision: establishing Abu Dhabi as a world capital for combat sports. Since then, the emirate has staged more than 20 UFC events, introduced the world to Fight Island during the pandemic, and delivered some of the organisation’s most memorable nights. UFC President Dana White once described Abu Dhabi as the “fight capital of the world,” and six years later that statement rings truer than ever.
Abu Dhabi’s ambition extends well beyond hosting blockbuster events. Its strategy is about legacy creating opportunities for local and regional athletes, fostering young talent, and ensuring mixed martial arts (MMA) has a long-term home in the Middle East. The commitment runs through state-of-the-art facilities, grassroots initiatives, and world-class fights that bring the sport closer to fans while inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Chimaev’s story is the clearest example of this strategy in action. He first stepped into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi in July 2020 at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: KATTAR vs IGE, submitting John Phillips on his UFC debut. Just 10 days later, he returned for UFC FIGHT NIGHT: WHITTAKER vs TILL, stopping Rhys McKee in the first round and making history with the fastest turnaround in UFC history. He was back in Abu Dhabi in October 2021 for UFC 267: BLACHOWICZ vs TEIXEIRA, where he overwhelmed Li Jingliang with a first-round submission. Four years later, having fought five of his eight UFC bouts in Abu Dhabi and under the UAE flag, he took his undefeated record to 15-0 at UFC 319 when he beat Dricus du Plessis in Chicago to capture the UFC middleweight title. Chimaev’s success as one of the sport’s most established athletes is a testament to the capital’s mission to foster homegrown talent.
