UFC Fight Night Doha 2025: A Historic Milestone for MMA in Qatar

On November 22, 2025, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization, the UFC, will make its highly anticipated debut in Qatar with UFC Fight Night Doha 2025. Set to take place at the cutting-edge Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Doha, this event marks a significant step in the UFC’s global expansion and the growth of MMA in the Middle East.

UFC Comes to Qatar for the First Time

For the first time in the promotion’s history, the UFC will host an official event in Qatar. The Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena (ABHA Arena), a modern, high-capacity venue equipped with world-class facilities, will serve as the backdrop for what promises to be a landmark night in combat sports.

With this event, Qatar becomes the third Middle Eastern nation to host a UFC card, following in the footsteps of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have been the sites of major UFC moments, including the iconic “Fight Island” series in Abu Dhabi and the successful UFC events held in Riyadh.

Building on a Momentum-Filled Year

The event in Doha comes on the heels of a momentous year for the UFC in the region. In February 2025, French middleweight Nassourdine Imavov stunned fans by knocking out former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC Fight Night 250 in Saudi Arabia. Then, in July, at UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi, top contender Robert Whittaker faced off against Reinier de Ridder in a high-profile matchup.

UFC President Dana White emphasized the promotion’s commitment to global growth:

“We’ve been in Abu Dhabi for a long time, and now we’re expanding our reach. Qatar is something we’ve been working on for a couple of years, and we’ve finally made it happen.”

An Exciting Fight Card Already Taking Shape

Several compelling matchups have already been confirmed for the Doha card, featuring a mix of veteran talent and rising stars. The confirmed bouts include:

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker

Muhammad vs. Machado Garry

Serghei Spivac vs. Shamil Gaziev

Jan Błachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov

Alex Perez vs. Asu Almabayev

Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Rafael Cerqueira

Bekzat Almakhan vs. Aleksandre Topuria

Felipe Lima vs. Daniel Marcos

Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico

The card features fighters from across the globe and showcases multiple stylistic clashes that promise fireworks. For many fighters, this event could be a career-defining opportunity, with the potential for breakout performances in front of a global audience.

Including local talent would align with the UFC’s ongoing strategy of spotlighting regional athletes, especially in lighter weight classes, to engage local audiences and nurture future stars.

Qatar’s Sports Ambitions in the Global Arena

Hosting a UFC event is part of Qatar’s broader strategy to establish itself as a global hub for sports and entertainment. Following the resounding success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the country has continued to host major international events, including Formula 1, ATP tennis, and PGA golf tournaments. The arrival of the UFC adds a new dimension to Qatar’s growing sports portfolio.

More than just a sports event, UFC Fight Night Doha 2025 is a symbol of Qatar’s investment in sports diplomacy and global visibility, while offering local fans a world-class MMA experience for the first time.

Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena: A World-Class Venue

The venue, Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, is ideally suited for hosting high-profile events like the UFC. Equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, media zones, and medical infrastructure, it meets all the technical and logistical standards expected by a top-tier global organization. The arena is also capable of hosting large-scale cultural and corporate events, underscoring its versatility and international appeal.

A New Era for MMA in the Middle East

UFC Fight Night Doha 2025 is more than just a regional debut—it represents a strategic move by the UFC to further cement its presence in the Middle East and reach new markets. For Qatar, it’s a chance to strengthen its position on the global sports stage. And for fighters and fans alike, it’s a unique opportunity to be part of a new chapter in MMA history.