Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena ranked among world’s best UFC venues

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi was ranked the third-best UFC venue globally in the 2026 USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizing its growing prominence in hosting major MMA events. This accolade underscores the arena’s role in establishing Abu Dhabi as a key international hub for UFC, highlighted by the upcoming UFC Fight Night featuring Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. on July 25.

Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has been ranked the third-best UFC venue worldwide in the 2026 USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for mixed martial arts events. This recognition arrives ahead of the UFC Fight Night scheduled for July 25, which will feature a headline bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr.

Since hosting its inaugural UFC event in January 2021 with UFC 257, Etihad Arena has rapidly become a key location for major UFC competitions outside the United States. The first event at the venue saw former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor face Dustin Poirier, marking the start of the UFC Fight Island series—a concept that helped establish the arena’s international prominence.

The arena has since been the site of numerous high-profile UFC events, including UFC 267, UFC 280, UFC 294, UFC 308, and UFC 321. These events have featured championship bouts, title changes, and some of the sport’s biggest names, such as Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Khamzat Chimaev, Robert Whittaker, and Max Holloway. The consistency of top-tier fights and sold-out crowds has reinforced Etihad Arena’s status within the global MMA community.

USA TODAY Sports cited several factors in ranking Etihad Arena among the world’s best UFC venues, highlighting its intimate atmosphere, excellent fan experience, and convenient accessibility. These elements contribute to making Yas Island a sought-after location for MMA enthusiasts internationally.

The UFC's ongoing collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has played a crucial role in supporting the emirate’s emergence as a mixed martial arts hub. This partnership has enabled the staging of both UFC Fight Night and numbered events throughout 2024 and 2025, advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a vital global center for the sport.

With the upcoming July event promising another stacked card, Etihad Arena looks poised to continue its trajectory as one of the UFC’s most significant and celebrated venues worldwide.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.