Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Umar Nurmagomedov UFC Abu Dhabi fight has been confirmed for July 25, with the bantamweight contender set to face David Martinez in the co-main event.
Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, is chasing another UFC title shot after winning back-to-back fights since his points loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in January 2025.
The bout adds another major combat sports storyline after Tom Aspinall Brock Lesnar dream fight talk grows after UFC return setback.
Nurmagomedov meets rising Mexican contender
Martinez enters the fight with a 14-1 record and a 10-fight winning streak.
The 27-year-old Mexican is 3-0 since joining the UFC last year and is ranked No. 9 in the bantamweight division.
Nurmagomedov, 30, remains one of the division’s leading contenders as Petr Yan holds the 135lb title.
Yan is expected to defend the belt against Merab Dvalishvili later this year, which gives Nurmagomedov a clear chance to stay close to the title race.
UFC Abu Dhabi card takes shape
Former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev is also booked for UFC Abu Dhabi.
Ankalaev will face Khalil Rountree Jr. in his first appearance since being knocked out by Alex Pereira in their 205lb title fight at UFC 320 last October.
Other confirmed fights include Steve Erceg against Ramazan Temirov, Rizvan Kuniev against Tyrell Fortune, and Valter Walker against Thomas Petersen.
Dustin Jacoby will face Uran Satybaldiev, while Brendson Ribeiro meets Magomed Tuchalov on the same card.
Fans can follow official fight updates through the UFC website.
The Abu Dhabi event also lists Magomedrasul Gasanov against Abubakar Vagaev, Ismael Bonfim against Axel Sola, and Islam Dulatov against Wellington Turman.