Dana White: UFC 333 Still a Go Despite Mideast Unrest
Dana White confirms UFC 333 proceeds in Abu Dhabi Oct. 24 despite Middle East conflict, with no backup venue plan in place.
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UFC CEO Dana White says UFC 333 will go on as scheduled in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24, 2026, even as violence tied to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran spreads closer to the region.
"Nope, we're going," White said when asked about a potential backup plan for the event. "We go. I'll be there with UFC, Power Slaps going there twice, the WWE is going there. We'll all be there."
The card is set for Etihad Arena, a venue the promotion has used repeatedly for its UAE shows. The bigger story right now isn't the fight card, it's the backdrop. Saudi Arabia, which borders the UAE, has absorbed missile and drone strikes on infrastructure including Riyadh's international airport and oil facilities over the past month. The U.S. State Department currently lists the UAE at a level three travel advisory, urging travelers to reconsider trips because of armed conflict and terrorism risk.
Why Is Dana White Not Changing UFC 333's Location?
White's answer to that question was blunt: there is no alternate plan, and the promotion is proceeding as if nothing has changed. He framed the Abu Dhabi trip as business as usual, noting UFC, Power Slap and WWE all have events planned in the country in the coming months. White has a long track record of pushing forward with events in volatile locations rather than relocating them, and this response fits that pattern.
What This Means for Fighters and Bettors
For fighters on the UFC 333 card, White's comments remove any ambiguity about travel plans with the event roughly a week away. Camps can finalize travel without worrying about a late venue change, which matters for fight-week logistics like weight cuts and walkout timing that bettors watch closely for late scratches or opponent changes. For the betting markets, the practical read is that nothing about the fight lines themselves should move because of the geopolitical situation. The risk here isn't to the odds on any individual bout, it's event-level: a sudden security escalation in the days before the card is the kind of factor that could force a postponement or disrupt ticket and broadcast operations, which is a tail risk worth watching but not one sportsbooks are likely to price in unless the situation sharply worsens before fight night.
No incidents of terroristic violence have hit a UFC event to date, though White has previously acknowledged at least one alleged attempt. The promotion's stance heading into UFC 333 is that it plans to proceed as business as usual in Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UFC 333 still happening in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed UFC 333 remains scheduled for Oct. 24, 2026 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi despite rising violence in the Middle East.
Does the UFC have a backup plan if violence escalates before UFC 333?
No. Dana White said there is no backup plan or alternate venue, stating flatly, "We're going," when asked about contingency options.
Why is there concern about UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi?
The concern stems from escalating regional violence tied to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, including missile and drone strikes on infrastructure in neighboring Saudi Arabia, with the U.S. State Department listing the UAE at a level three travel advisory.
