Overview
- UFC president Dana White said the promotion has no contingency plan and that UFC 333 will go ahead at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with the event listed for Oct. 24.
- The U.S. Department of State currently has the United Arab Emirates at a Level 3 travel advisory that advises reconsidering travel because of armed conflict and terrorism risks.
- Regional violence has included missile and drone attacks that struck Saudi infrastructure and Riyadh’s airport, raising safety and travel concerns for fighters and fans.
- The card still lists featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev and bantamweight champion Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili as headliners, and one confirmed change moved Aaron Pico to face Losene Keita after Arnold Allen withdrew.
- White said other combat promotions are continuing regional dates and reports now flag the UFC’s planned Riyadh show in December as at risk, so reporters should watch for further schedule changes and statements about security from the promotion and local authorities.