With 2025 winding down, Dana White clearly isn’t letting the UFC coast into the new year. If anything, the promotion is punching harder than ever. Montreal, China, and even Azerbaijan already got their turn under the spotlight this year, but now all eyes shift to a brand-new frontier: Qatar.

Yes, the UFC is about to plant its flag in Doha, making it the promotion’s 32nd host country and only the third in the Middle East after Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. And if you think this is just another Fight Night, think again — this card has the potential to change the way fans in the region consume MMA.

Dana White’s Qatar plans leak

The UFC planned to make its Qatar debut back in May, with rumors pointing to UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales on the 17th. However, the promotion moved the card to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas for undisclosed reasons. Now, the countdown is on. MMA page on X first revealed that Ismail Naurdeive will face Ryan Loder on November 22. On the same card, undefeated Polish heavyweight Marek Bujło will make his UFC debut against Brazilian heavyweight José Luiz, who is also stepping into the octagon for the first time in Qatar.

Bujło announced the matchup himself, calling it a “viewer-friendly broadcast,” on X. Marek Bujło wrote: “Let’s lift the veil of secrecy, as many of you have been waiting for the announcement. So, officially! The UFC FN 265 gala in Qatar, and my opponent will be the Brazilian José Luiz. The historic first UFC gala in this country, and with viewer-friendly broadcast times. What more could you want? I’ll be ready.”

UFC Fight Night 265 will be a marking a milestone for the Middle East. In partnership with Visit Qatar, the card delivers front-row action for regional fans while expanding the UFC’s global footprint. With Qatar’s proven track record for hosting world-class sporting events, the debut of UFC Doha advances the country’s goal of becoming a leading global sports destination.

Why Qatar stands out as the UFC’s latest global stop

Dana White signaled last year that the UFC isn’t slowing down its global push. While fans initially expected Spain or South Africa to host the next big events, White has since shifted his sights to the Middle East, with Doha now taking center stage. Part of the reason is the region’s strong government support, which gives it a clear edge.

Unlike Spain, which lacks indoor arenas suitable for UFC events, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are offering full backing—covering fighter purses, production costs, and venue expenses. “There’s never been a time where we said we’re going to do something and we don’t do it. We figure it out, and we’ll get it done,” White said. Moreover, with financial incentives, world-class infrastructure, and proven experience hosting global events, the Middle East has become a natural launchpad for UFC’s next wave of expansion.

Speaking about UFC Qatar, White added, “I’ve always said we’re going to take UFC all over the world—and Qatar is the next stop. They already hosted the World Cup and Formula 1, and now we’re bringing a UFC Fight Night there for the first time. Our fights in the Middle East are always incredible, so I can’t wait to get out there.”

With just a few months remaining until UFC Qatar, fans are already speculating about which headline fights will headline the card. Which bouts are you most excited to see? Share your predictions below.