Etihad Arena has been ranked the world’s third-best UFC venue in the 2026 USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards, ahead of hosting UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Rountree Jr. on July 25 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The recognition highlights the arena’s fan experience, intimate atmosphere and accessibility, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading global destination for mixed martial arts.

Etihad Arena’s UFC journey began in January 2021 with UFC 257, headlined by Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier during the historic UFC Fight Island series.

Since then, the venue has hosted several major events, including UFC 267, UFC 280, UFC 294, UFC 308 and UFC 321, attracting sold-out crowds and some of the sport’s biggest stars.

Fighters such as Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Khamzat Chimaev, Robert Whittaker and Max Holloway have competed at the arena, helping cement Abu Dhabi’s status as a key UFC destination.

Through its partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, UFC has continued to stage high-profile events in the emirate, reinforcing its position as a global hub for MMA. -TradeArabia News Service