UFC Abu Dhabi: major fight called off just before the event
Fight fans around the world were hyped for an action-packed night at the UFC Abu Dhabi event, set for July 26 at the iconic Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates. But just days before the highly anticipated card, news broke that a key fight would not go ahead as planned, sending shockwaves through the MMA community.
Unexpected Turn: Movsar Evloev Out of Co-Main Event
The co-main event was scheduled to feature an electric featherweight showdown: the undefeated Movsar Evloev (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) versus American newcomer Aaron Pico (13-4 MMA, 12-4 Bellator), marking a potential defining moment for both fighters. However, Russian media outlet Red Corner MMA announced on X that Evloev had suffered an injury or health issue during his training camp in Thailand, forcing him to pull out of the bout. UFC officials have yet to confirm the specifics, but sources close to the camp indicate the injury was serious enough to halt his participation entirely.
“It’s always disappointing when top-level fights get canceled—especially on a card as stacked as UFC Abu Dhabi,” shared one industry insider, noting Evloev’s impressive winning streak and recent decision victory over former champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. With his flawless record, Evloev’s absence is a major loss for the event, and it’s still unknown if Pico will remain on the card with a replacement opponent.
A Closer Look at the UFC Abu Dhabi Card
Beyond the canceled fight, the rest of the card remains packed with compelling matchups—including a middleweight main event between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. Other notable bouts include Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee at bantamweight and Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault at middleweight. Check out some other top fighters making appearances:
- Light Heavyweight battles: Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov, Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana
- Welterweight bout: Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal
- Strawweight: Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci
For a deeper dive on the world’s top MMA organizations, explore this breakdown.
Reactions from the MMA Community
Predictably, fans and analysts alike have weighed in. Some see Pico’s potential UFC debut as bittersweet. “He’s a dynamic striker with lots of promise in the division, so it’s a shame he’s not facing a top contender right away,” one commentator noted. Others speculate that the withdrawal opens a spot for another featherweight prospect or a late replacement looking to make a statement on a major stage.
On social media, discussions are heating up about the bad luck that seems to haunt high-profile UFC matchups lately. From rankings shakeups to canceled title fights, the unpredictability of injuries continues to be a point of debate. Could this trend reshape how main cards are structured in the future?
What’s Next for the Fighters and the Event?
With Evloev out, the ball is in Pico’s court to see if he stays on the card or makes his official Octagon debut later this year. As for Evloev, his recovery and return will be eagerly anticipated, especially as the featherweight division’s landscape keeps evolving. The cancellation also tests the UFC matchmakers, who face increased pressure to deliver on big cards with ever-changing variables.
Beyond individual outcomes, the news reignites talks about event logistics and contingency planning in MMA, echoing broader discussions in the combat sports world (read more). With a fan base expecting top-tier excitement, it’s anyone’s guess how the organization will respond to keep the Abu Dhabi event—and future cards—thriving.
Source: www.actumma.com