Abu Dhabi: The UFC is set to make a highly anticipated return to Abu Dhabi on July 26, with a thrilling UFC Fight Night card scheduled at the Etihad Arena.

According to Emirates News Agency, UFC CEO Dana White has announced the first six matchups for the event, including an exciting main event featuring former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker against the rising star Reinier de Ridder. The evening’s co-main event will see Aaron Pico making his UFC debut in a challenging five-round featherweight matchup against Movsar Evloev.

The fight card also features compelling matchups such as Petr Yan taking on Marcus McGhee in the bantamweight division, while Bryce Mitchell faces off against Said Nurmagomedov. In the middleweight division, Shara Magomedov will battle Marc-Andre Barriault, and Nikita Krylov will go head-to-head with Bogdan Guskov in the light heavyweight category.

The announcement of these bouts has generated significant excitement among fans, as Abu Dhabi continues to establish itself as a premier destination for high-profile UFC events.