Abu Dhabi Showdown Week: What to expect when UFC 242 comes to town

Even if you don't have a ticket for the big sporting event, you can still enjoy the week that will bring plenty of things to do

Jay Cutler, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Victor Besa for The National / AFP / Getty Images
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When UFC returns to Abu Dhabi, they will be bringing more than just mixed martial arts. Alongside the action happening in the octagon, there will be plenty of things for non sporting fans to take advantage of. In the lead-up to UFC 242, and over the course of the event, Abu Dhabi will also play host to a number of concerts, fitness events, shopping and food sales, and meet and greets.

UFC 242 is set to take place at The Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, September 7.

To celebrate, there will be plenty happening around the capital leading up to the main event: a bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier. And while tickets are sold out already (although some hotel package deals still remain), that doesn't mean you have to miss out.

Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, which runs from Sunday, September 1 to Saturday, September 7, is filled with plenty of things to do outside the octagon. Here’s a roundup of what to expect:

Shop for ‘Knockout Deals’

Thursday, August 15 to Saturday, September 7

Tied in with back to school shopping, there will be three special promotions in select malls including Abu Dhabi Mall, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Dalma Mall, Deerfields Mall, Madinat Zayed, Mazyad Mall, WTC Abu Dhabi and Yas Mall as well as Al Ain Mall, Bawadi Mall and Hili Mall in Al Ain. Discounts range from 25 per cent and upwards on health products, fitness apparel, and active wear.

Enjoy the ‘knockout burgers’ campaign

Sunday, August 25 to Saturday, September 7

Over 25 restaurants and cafes around Abu Dhabi will participate in the city-wide campaign. For the two-week promotion, eateries will release a special burger or burger deal – whether it's a limited-edition burger, an existing burger at a special price, or a burger and drink package deal.  Hotels and dining destinations on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island will also prepare their own special culinary offerings.

See The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Wednesday, September 4

The four-piece, made up of Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer, are known for delivering electric rock with a big old side of funk and a dash of hip hop. They'll perform at the Arena, a newly constructed indoor venue on Yas Island. The group has won six Grammys, and are behind 25 top ten songs including Under the Bridge, Californication and Otherside. Another "world-class concert" is promised for Thursday, September 5 but it has yet to be announced.  Tickets left for the Red Hot Chili Peppers start at Dh450.

Attend the Abu Dhabi Sports and Fitness Expo

Thursday, September 5 to Saturday, September 7

Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy this three-day fitness and wellness event at du Forum. Bodybuilders Jay Cutler and Mike O'Hearn will be there, as well as international stalls selling fitness and wellness products, competitions, fitness programmes, activations and international conferences as well. Tickets start at Dh50 for one day.

Other things to do:

Attend the weigh-in

While details have not been announced yet, there will be free tickets for the weigh-in for UFC fighters on Friday, September 6 at The Arena. We will update you with any details when we hear of them.

Go to UFC meet and greets

Throughout the week, fans will also get the chance to meet their favourite UFC athletes, and pose for photos with replica UFC championship belts. Exact details are still to be released.

Enjoy pool parties and nightlife events

It’s not really a major sporting event if there isn’t some place to celebrate after, right? Hotels will host dedicated beach and pool parties as well as viewing and after parties. Hotels and venues participating include Saadiyat Beach Club, The Edition, Fairmont Abu Dhabi, Drai’s Las Vegas, Bizaar by Mad and Cipriani.

More information is available from www.adshowdownweek.ae