This Saturday, October 26, sports fans have a unique date with two high-caliber events. First, Ilia Topuria, current UFC featherweight champion, will defend his title at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi against veteran Max Holloway. Starting at 18:00 hours (Spain), the event marks Topuria’s first title defense, and with an undefeated record of 15-0, the Spanish fighter seeks to establish himself as one of the most outstanding figures in mixed martial arts. The main card will begin at 20:00, and both Topuria’s wrestling skills and offensive strategy promise a spectacular showdown in what will surely be a night of high tension and technical prowess in the octagon.
Simultaneously, in Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium will host the first matchup of the season between Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga at 21:00. With only a three-point difference in favor of the Blaugranas, this decisive match could set a crucial direction in the title race. Expectations are high for Hansi Flick’s team, which has strengthened Barcelona with a solid offense and the return of key players. On the other side, Real Madrid, although somewhat inconsistent, has Vinicius Jr. as its main offensive threat. The excitement of El Clásico, combined with the anticipation for Topuria’s title defense, promises to make Saturday a unique day for sports enthusiasts.
The power of Abu Dhabi and its influence in global sports
The choice of Abu Dhabi as the host of top-tier sports events, like this UFC title defense, exemplifies the growing influence of the United Arab Emirates in the sports industry. In recent years, cities like Abu Dhabi have developed extensive infrastructure, investing in state-of-the-art stadiums and an event network that spans multiple disciplines. The UFC, which has found a strategic partner in Abu Dhabi, not only enjoys global exposure in this location but also ensures schedules adapted to the European audience.
With a strategy that goes beyond sports, Abu Dhabi and other Gulf countries have transformed these events into tools of cultural diplomacy, attracting thousands of tourists and increasing international visibility for their cities. By offering world-class entertainment in a luxury setting, they aim to establish themselves as sports tourism destinations—a trend that not only strengthens their economy but also reinforces their image as epicenters of global sports.
This investment phenomenon, also known as “sportswashing,” reflects the emirates’ intention to bolster their image and diversify their economy through sports, as seen in neighboring Saudi Arabia and Qatar. From UFC bouts to soccer and tennis championships, major sports events have become a platform for these countries to project a modern, progressive image to the world.
For fans, this means the opportunity to see their idols in action in impressive settings and accessible schedules, as sports continue to cement their place as the new stage for geopolitical competition in the Middle East.