Kicking off on 20 October, the weeklong MMA extravaganza will feature a range of exciting events leading up to UFC 321.
It’s T-minus five days until UFC 321: Aspinall Vs. Gane takes over Etihad Arena, and you know what that means — hordes of MMA fans heading to the capital as a packed schedule of citywide events leads up to the big event on Saturday, 25 October. Marking the seventh edition of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have confirmed an array of happenings.
UFC 321: Aspinall Vs. Gane lands at Etihad Arena with a championship double-header. Tom Aspinall defends the undisputed heavyweight title, while the Middle East hosts its first UFC women’s title fight as Virna Jandiroba meets Mackenzie Dern for the vacant strawweight crown.
Fight week highlights include open workouts at Yas Mall on Wednesday, 22 October, giving fans a close look at the main card contenders. On Thursday, 23 October, Etihad Arena hosts the official press conference with an open fan Q&A. The ceremonial weigh-ins follow on Friday, 24 October at Etihad Arena, as fighters hit the scale and face off one final time before stepping into the Octagon. These immersive activations are not only free and open to the public but also a must for any UFC fan.
The Fan Experience is free to attend across Yas Mall and Yas Bay from 20 to 26 October. Confirmed visiting athletes include former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, No. 3 light heavyweight Carlos Ulberg, No. 3 strawweight Tatiana Suarez, Morocco’s featherweight Youssef Zalal, Brazil’s featherweight Jean Silva, and Lithuania’s light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas.
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week will feature Power Slap 16: Wolverine vs Klingbeil, which lands at Space42 Arena on Friday, 24 October. The highly anticipated event returns as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which culminates with UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane at Etihad Arena. This year’s main event pits reigning Light Heavyweight Champion Wolverine (5-2, 2 KOs), who has held the title for nearly 800 days, against rising challenger Alan “The Kryptonian” Klingbeil (3-2, 2 KOs). The card also features a Super Heavyweight clash between Dumpling (2-1-1, 1 KO) and the undefeated Makini “Big Mak” Manu (4-0, 3 KOs).
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is also set to bring a diverse range of nightlife events and parties to the capital, along with exclusive culinary offerings and tailored experiences at select gyms. Marking a major milestone in the capital. Adding to the buzz, UAE Warriors returns on Wednesday, 22 October at ADNEC Centre, with a showcase of top regional talent.
With a stacked card, elite MMA and a week of fan-first programming, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2025 shapes up as a must-see celebration of sport and entertainment.
GO: Visit visitabudhabi.ae for more information.