UFC Makes Historic Debut in Qatar as Belal Muhammad Faces Ian Machado Garry at ABHA Arena

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is bringing the Octagon to the Middle East for the first time in Qatar — and it’s not just another fight night. On UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Hooker, scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena (ABHA Arena) in Al Rayyan, the world’s premier MMA promotion will host its inaugural event in the Gulf nation. At the heart of the card? A pivotal welterweight clash between Belal Muhammad (24-5-0) and Ian Machado Garry (17-1-0), two fighters whose paths have been converging for years — and now, they’ll do it on a global stage unlike any before.

Why This Fight Matters More Than the Record Book

Belal Muhammad isn’t just another top-ranked welterweight. He’s the man who took the division by storm after years of grinding through the UFC’s feeder system. With 24 wins and just five losses, he’s built a reputation for relentless pressure, crisp striking, and an uncanny ability to control pace. He’s been waiting for this moment — not just for a title shot, but for a platform that screams legitimacy. And Ian Machado Garry? The Irish phenom with the lightning hands and deceptive power has been climbing the ranks like a freight train. At 24, he’s the youngest top-5 contender in the division, and he’s got something to prove: that he can beat the best when it counts.

The fight’s projected outcome — a unanimous decision win for Muhammad, per ESPN’s early listing — feels almost too tidy. But MMA doesn’t follow scripts. Garry’s speed and volume striking could overwhelm Muhammad’s methodical style. If he can keep it standing and avoid takedowns, this could be the fight that launches him into title contention. And if Muhammad wins? He doesn’t just stay on top — he owns it.

The Arena, The City, The Moment

The Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena isn’t just a venue — it’s a statement. Located in the heart of the Doha metropolitan area, this modern indoor arena has hosted world-class athletics, basketball tournaments, and even international boxing bouts. But never before has it seen the Octagon. With seating for over 15,000 fans, it’s been meticulously prepared for this moment. The lighting? Custom-tuned for MMA’s high-contrast visuals. The sound system? Engineered to amplify the roar of a crowd that’s never seen live UFC in person.

This isn’t just about the fight. It’s about Qatar’s broader ambition. After hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup — a $220 billion infrastructure overhaul — the country is now betting big on sports tourism as a pillar of its National Vision 2030. This UFC event arrives just days before the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix, creating a two-week sports festival that will draw tens of thousands of international visitors. And for many, this will be their first taste of Qatar beyond the World Cup highlights.

Who’s Watching — And How

Unlike numbered UFC pay-per-views, Fight Night events are typically included with a subscription to ESPN+ in the U.S. and similar platforms abroad. In Qatar, local broadcaster beIN Sports will carry the event live, with international fans able to stream via UFC Fight Pass or regional partners. No extra pay-per-view fee. No hidden costs. Just pure, unfiltered MMA.

Tickets? They’re already selling. Early registration is being encouraged by Visit Qatar, which reports “high demand from both local fans and international travelers.” And for those coming from abroad? Qatar’s visa policy has been streamlined for major events. Citizens of over 80 countries — including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and most of the EU — can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. A dhow boat ride along the Corniche? A stop at the Museum of Islamic Art? A camel safari at dawn? All part of the experience.

The Bigger Picture: MMA Meets Middle East

The UFC has been slowly expanding its footprint across the Middle East. Abu Dhabi became a reliable home during the pandemic with its “Fight Island” series. But Qatar? This is different. It’s not just a neutral site — it’s a sovereign nation investing billions to become a global sports hub. And UFC is the perfect fit: global appeal, youth-driven, digitally native, and endlessly marketable.

This event follows a clear pattern: Qatar hosts a major global event, then leverages its infrastructure and reputation to attract others. The World Cup. The Asian Games. The Club World Cup. Now, MMA. Each event builds momentum. Each one chips away at outdated perceptions. And each one adds another brick to the country’s post-oil economy.

What’s Next?

If this event sells out and draws strong international viewership — as expected — UFC will likely return. Maybe next year. Maybe in 2027. And if Garry pulls off the upset? Don’t be surprised if he’s headlining the next one. The UFC doesn’t just follow stars — it creates them. And right now, in Doha, a new chapter is being written.