Fans can enjoy everything from interactive fan experiences and Open Workouts to Meet & Greets, Ceremonial Weigh-Ins and more across Yas Island before UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ANKALAEV vs GUSKOV on Saturday, 25 July

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: UFC®, the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is kicking off Abu Dhabi Showdown Week on Yas Island with an action-packed programme of fan experiences, athlete appearances and live events ahead of UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ANKALAEV vs GUSKOV at Etihad Arena on Saturday, 25 July.

Starting today and running through 26 July, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week brings fans closer to the action than ever before through interactive activations, live athlete appearances and exclusive events before the Octagon returns to the UAE capital.

UFC Fan Experience

The free-to-enter UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall will once again serve as the heart of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of UFC.

Running throughout the week, visitors can experience the latest EA SPORTS™ UFC® gaming station, test their strength in the Grip Challenge, and put their striking power to the test in the fan-favourite Striking Challenge and Kick Power activations, alongside a range of immersive experiences designed to bring fans closer to the sport.

Adding to the excitement, Khabib Gym will host daily fitness activations from 23 to 26 July, between 4pm and 5pm, where fans can compete in push-up and squat challenges. Every participant will receive a complimentary one-day pass to Khabib Gym.

On Friday, 24 July, and Saturday, 25 July, UFC GYM will host live sparring showcases, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes and super fights, alongside interactive fitness challenges at Yas Mall from 7pm to 9pm each evening. Fans can test their endurance in bodyweight challenges for the chance to win prizes.

Open Workouts

On Wednesday, 22 July, fans will have the opportunity to see some of the event's biggest stars in action during the UFC Open Workouts, commencing at 6pm at the UFC Fan Experience in Yas Mall.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev, main event opponent Bogdan Guskov, undefeated lightweight prospect Magomed 'Chanko' Zaynukov and rising welterweight star Islam Dulatov are scheduled to showcase their skills before stepping into the Octagon on Fight Night.

Ceremonial Weigh-Ins and Meet & Greet

The excitement continues on Friday, 24 July, at Etihad Arena, where doors open at 4pm for the Ceremonial Weigh-Ins.

Fans can enjoy a special live Q&A with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Carlos Ulberg, No. 3-ranked featherweight contender Lerone Murphy and fan-favourite middleweight Shara Magomedov at 5pm, before the Ceremonial Weigh-Ins begin at 6pm, delivering the final face-offs before the athletes step into the Octagon on Fight Night.

Following the Ceremonial Weigh-Ins, fans can head to the UFC Fan Experience at Yas Mall for a special 7pm Meet & Greet with Carlos Ulberg and Shara Magomedov, offering another opportunity to get up close with two of the UFC's top stars.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ANKALAEV vs GUSKOV

Abu Dhabi Showdown Week culminates on Saturday, 25 July, as UFC Fight Night returns to Etihad Arena with the highly anticipated main event, UFC FIGHT NIGHT: ANKALAEV vs GUSKOV.

Doors open at 4pm, before a stacked night of world-class mixed martial arts gets underway. The headline bout will see former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev take on Uzbekistan's Bogdan Guskov in a highly anticipated light heavyweight showdown. In the co-main event, Steve Erceg faces Ramazan Temirov in a pivotal flyweight contest, alongside a card featuring some of the sport's most exciting athletes.