Looking forward to UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi? Get your gloves up and get ready to kick it into high gear because the intense sport is returning to Yas Island this October and it’s bringing some mega athletes to the capital.
UFC 280 is part of a landmark partnership between the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
The partnership began in 2019 and since then we’ve seen some huge fighting champions come to the city; UFC 280 is shaping up to be no different. Get ready to cheer on your heroes of choice (and occasionally flinch) from the stands this fall.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi:
When is UFC 280 coming to Abu Dhabi?
UFC 280 is coming to the capital in October 2022; it will be the anchoring point of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which will run from Monday October 17 to Sunday October 23. The week will include loads of events and activations across the city, so get ready to get hyped.
Where is UFC 280 being held?
You can watch all the fighting action live at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
Which fights can I expect to see?
UFC 280 will be headlined Oliveira versus Makhachev, who will be fighting for the vacant lightweight champion title.
UFC also recently announced a second fight on the roster: champion Aljamain Sterling will defend his bantamweight title against number two ranked TJ Dillashaw in the co-main event.
Also on the card is another key bantamweight bout between former champion Petr Yan and talented prospect Sean O’Malley as well as a welterweight bout between Belal Muhammad versus fast-rising Sean Brady. Whew.
Who are the star fighters in UFC 280?
Oliveira, fighting out of Sao Paolo, will be looking to regain the vacant title after his recent victory over Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian became champion with a second-round stoppage of Michael Chandler in May 2021, before defending successfully against Dustin Poirier seven months later. Oliveira has extended UFC records for most finishes (19) and most submissions (16) in the process. His sights will be firmly set on taking back the title in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev, fighting out of Makhachkala, is already a crowd favourite in Abu Dhabi, following bouts with Davy Ramos and Dan Hooker in the UAE capital, in 2019 and 2021. He is on a ten-fight win streak, having stopped Bobby Green in the opening round of his last outing. Makhachev has ten submission wins during his MMA career, and will be looking to add Oliveira’s name to his winning streak by claiming the lightweight title.
Aljamain has been in the UFC for eight years, patiently working his way up to the peak of the division. He will be riding a seven-fight win streak when he arrives in Abu Dhabi, including back-to-back wins over former champion Yan in his last two outings. He is looking to cement his place at the top of the 135lbs division.
Dillashaw, has been a leading light in the bantamweight division for more than a decade now. He is a former two-time champion and holds a number of UFC bantamweight records including most wins (13), most wins by KO or TKO (seven), most title fight wins (five), and an impressive eight fight-night bonuses.
UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad aims to defend his spot in the rankings against fast-rising Sean Brady. Muhammad is currently on the best run of his UFC career, being unbeaten in his last eight fights. Undefeated prospect Brady plans to continue his momentum from recent wins and break into the top five for the first time and become the first person to submit Muhammad.
Where can I get tickets to UFC 280?
Tickets are on sale via Etihad Arena and Ticketmaster. Visit the UFC.com website for more information.
Mon Oct 17-Sun Oct 23. Etihad Arena, Yas Island.
After more sporting fun? Click here for Time Out‘s guide to F1.
