Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has been named the No.3 UFC venue in the world in the 2026 USA Today Sports Readers’ Choice Awards. The recognition comes just weeks before the arena hosts UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev v Rountree Jr. on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
USA Today Highlights Intimate Atmosphere and Fan Experience
USA Today Sports highlighted the arena's intimate atmosphere, exceptional fan experience, and accessibility as key factors in its ranking. The award helps cement Yas Island as a must-visit destination for MMA fans worldwide.
Etihad Arena’s UFC History
The venue's journey with the UFC began with UFC 257 in January 2021, headlined by Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier as part of the historic UFC Fight Island series. Since then, it has hosted major events including UFC 267, UFC 280, UFC 294, UFC 308, and UFC 321, featuring champions and sold-out crowds.
Stars such as Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Khamzat Chimaev, Robert Whittaker, and Max Holloway have competed at the arena, further establishing Abu Dhabi as a premier global destination for mixed martial arts.
Ongoing Partnership with Abu Dhabi
Through its partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the UFC has continued to bring world-class events to the emirate, including both Fight Night and numbered events in 2024 and 2025. The upcoming UFC Fight Night on July 25 will feature a light heavyweight main event between Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr.
