Former UFC Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, famously known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” is set to engage with fans this week as part of the Abu Dhabi Showdown Week leading up to UFC 333 on Saturday.
Expressing his excitement about returning to a city where he holds historic memories, having successfully defended his welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal at Fight Island on July 12, 2020, Usman shared his enthusiasm for the trip.
Read Also:UCL: Lookman Lauds Atletico’s Fighting Spirit In Stuttgart Draw
“Abu Dhabi has always been a special place for me and for UFC. I have some great memories of competing here, and the fans always bring incredible energy,” Usman said.
“I am excited to be back, meet the fans, and be part of another huge week for UFC in Abu Dhabi.”
Usman most recently stepped into the Octagon against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma City in July 2026, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss (50–45, 49–46, 49–46) at the Paycom Center.
Read Also:Chukwueze Faces Layoff Over Hip Injury
The upcoming UFC fan experience will span across the Etihad Arena and two additional venues in the city. On Wednesday, Usman will appear at Yas Mall alongside Moroccan featherweight fighter Marwan Rahiki and contender Jean Silva.
An open workout session will follow, featuring main event headliners Movsar Evloev and Alexander Volkanovski, alongside Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan. Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Yan as he attempts to reclaim the bantamweight title he lost in Las Vegas last December, while Volkanovski defends his featherweight strap against Evloev.
