Fight fans, mark your calendars. UFC 333 is heading to Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday October 24, 2026, with another huge event set for the UAE capital.

The announcement comes almost exactly one year after UFC 321 took place in Abu Dhabi on October 25, 2025. The night’s main event between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke forced the fight to be stopped, meaning Aspinall retained his heavyweight title.

Since then, Abu Dhabi has continued to prove why it has become one of the UFC’s favourite destinations outside the US, regularly welcoming some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts to the capital.

The Octagon has been busy in Abu Dhabi over the past year. Fans were treated to Reinier de Ridder vs Robert Whittaker, before the action returned once again for UFC Fight Night: Magomed Ankalaev vs Bogdan Guskov, which takes place tonight at Etihad Arena.

Abu Dhabi has become a regular stop on the UFC calendar, attracting fans from around the world each time the Octagon lands on Yas Island. In fact, UFC has staged more than 20 events in Abu Dhabi since 2010, making it a fixture on the region’s sporting calendar.

With UFC 333 now confirmed, there’s already plenty of excitement building for October.

While the date and venue have now been locked in, the biggest question remains… Who will headline UFC 333?

The full fight card is still to be announced, but if previous Abu Dhabi events are anything to go by, fans can expect another stacked night featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on every announcement, so stay tuned to What’s On for all the latest UFC 333 news as it’s revealed.

Fans can already register their interest for tickets through VisitAbuDhabi.ae  for the best chance of securing seats when they go on sale. Travelling fans will also be able to book exclusive hotel packages.

If you’re looking to make a weekend of it, VIP Experience packages will also be available soon through On Location, UFC’s official VIP Experience Provider. Packages include premium seating, VIP access to the weigh-ins, access to an all-inclusive private lounge, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and more, visit UFCVIP.com for more info.

With another numbered UFC event returning to Abu Dhabi, all eyes are now on the fight card announcement. Will a title fight headline the night? Could we see some familiar faces return to Yas Island? We’ll have to wait and see.

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