Four new bouts added to Abu Dhabi UFC Fight Night card

Dubai: Four new bouts have been added to the card for Abu Dhabi’s UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder later this month, promising an action-packed night as the world’s largest sports promotion returns to Abu Dhabi on July 26 at the Etihad Arena.

Among the new additions, UAE fans will be watching closely as Emirati lightweight Mohammed Yahya returns to the Octagon to face Dallas-based Steven Nguyen, with both fighters eager to secure their first UFC win in a clash that promises intensity from the opening bell.

The fight card also now features an all-action welterweight clash between 41-year-old veteran Muslim Salikhov and Carlos “The Lion” Leal, who is 10 years younger to the Russian. Salikhov, famously known as the “King of Kung Fu” is one of the most creative and dangerous strikers in the division, while Leal’s aggressive pace and fearless approach promise to bring fireworks to the Octagon.

Strong judo and jiu-jitsu backgrounds

In the women’s strawweight division, Brazilian stars Amanda Ribas and Tabatha Ricci are set for a must-watch showdown. Both are elite grapplers with strong judo and jiu-jitsu backgrounds, but they are also equally capable of standing and trading blows. Ribas returns to Abu Dhabi with fond memories, having secured a win during the UFC’s Fight Island series in 2020. Her experience in the UAE could give her an edge, but Ricci’s compact striking and tight ground game will present a serious challenge.

Also newly added to the card, Da’Mon Blackshear and Davey Grant will face off in a bantamweight showdown. Blackshear enters the bout on a three-fight win streak, while Grant has claimed victory in three of his last four outings, setting up an enticing contest where something has got to give.