As Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi: Ankalaev vs. Guskov Fight Night card played out at the Etihad Arena on Saturday, promotion officials were already announcing their return to the United Arab Emirates: October 24, with UFC 333 taking place at the very same venue.
The site previously known as Fight Island has become a regular stop for the UFC, and thanks to the coronavirus pandemic has hosted 22 UFC events in total.
October’s UFC 333 will also feature the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which will feature an “unforgettable week of world-class MMA and fan experiences,” per a press release issued on Saturday.
No main event or other bouts have been announced for the October card. Last October, UFC 321 was held in Abu Dhabi, and was headlined by the ill-fated Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane heavyweight title fight. The bout ended early after Aspinall was repeatedly poked in the eye, eventually necessitating surgery. The Brit, still the UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion, has not fought since.
Gane recently defeated Alex Pereira at last month’s UFC Freedom 250 at the White House to claim interim gold. If Aspinall is ready to go, there’s a possibility the inevitable rematch comes in the same venue as their original meeting.
