UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with lightweight title on the line

UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on October 22 as Charles Oliveira takes on Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

It will be the latest event held in the UAE capital as part of a landmark partnership, launched in 2019, between the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

Oliveira (33-8-1, fighting out of Sao Paolo, Brazil) will be looking to regain the vacant title after his recent dominant defeat of Justin Gaethje.

Makhachev (22-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan) is already a crowd favourite in Abu Dhabi following bouts with Davy Ramos and Dan Hooker in the UAE capital, in 2019 and 2021.

A product of the famed Nurmagomedov team, Makhachev is on a 10-fight win streak, having stopped Bobby Green in the opening round of his last fight.

UFC 280: OLIVEIRA vs MAKHACHEV tickets will go on sale at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 22.

October will also see the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, a series of events from October 17-23 set to run alongside UFC 280, featuring city-wide activations including fan events, concerts and much more.

UFC 280 will be held at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, headlined by Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev, competing for the vacant lightweight title. Tickets go on sale at 1pm GST on Friday, 22 July 2022 at https://t.co/X7Vf6wezsS and https://t.co/z5ublRQU6Z pic.twitter.com/PMbQrwhmlp

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) July 21, 2022