The UFC owes Abu Dhabi a show — Volkanovski and Yan can deliver it

The UFC is set to return to Abu Dhabi in October, delivering headline bouts that aim to make up for the lacklustre UFC 321 event held in the UAE capital last year. Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion, will defend his title against No 1-ranked Mosvid Evloev, while bantamweight champion Petr Yan will settle his trilogy against Merab Dvalishvili. These are highly anticipated fights that promise to delight fans.

The previous Abu Dhabi event in October 2023 fell short of expectations, with a no contest called after Ciryl Gane's eye pokes on Tom Aspinall and a disappointing co-main event featuring Mackenzie Dern winning the vacant women's strawweight title in an uneventful bout. Fans expressed frustration, but it was largely misplaced due to Aspinall's subsequent injuries that prevented him from fighting.

Despite these issues, the UFC remains deeply connected to Abu Dhabi, often considering it a second home. The announcement of the upcoming headline fights, particularly Volkanovski's defence of his featherweight title and Yan's trilogy bout, is expected to ease some of the disappointment felt following the last event. Volkanovski, having already secured two title reigns, will face the unbeaten Evloev in what is expected to be an exciting contest.