Octagon heads to Doha as UFC to make Qatar debut this November
UFC
is set to make its long-awaited debut in Qatar with a Fight Night event scheduled for November 22 at the ABHA Arena in Doha. This marks the promotion's first-ever card in the country, following its first visit to Baku, Azerbaijan in June, as part of its ongoing expansion into the Middle East.
Known for its growing reputation as a global sports hub, Doha will now host some of the UFC's top talent inside the Octagon. The event follows successful cards in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the region's importance in the UFC's international strategy. The bouts featured on the UFC Doha card are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
"I've always said we're going to take the UFC all over the world - and Qatar is the next stop," said UFC President
Dana White
.
"They already hosted the World Cup and Formula 1, and now we're bringing a UFC Fight Night there for the first time. Our fights in the Middle East are always incredible, so I can't wait to get out there," White added.
— ufc (@ufc)
Live Events
Qatar is set to become the third Middle Eastern nation to host a UFC event, joining Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia as key destinations in the promotion's growing regional footprint. Abu Dhabi has long been a cornerstone for the UFC, famously hosting the iconic 'Fight Island' series during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saudi Arabia has also made its mark, with two UFC Fight Night events held in Riyadh - the most recent in February, where Nassourdine Imavov stunned Israel Adesanya with a knockout win at UFC Fight Night 250.
The announcement of the UFC's Doha debut in November follows the recently confirmed UFC 321, scheduled for October 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The UFC's next Middle East event is set for later this month, as former champion
Robert Whittaker
takes on
Reinier de Ridder
in the main event of UFC on ABC 9.
The high-profile bout will take place on July 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, continuing the promotion's strong presence in the region ahead of its historic debut in Qatar this November.
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