The UFC has revealed nine fights for its return to Qatar, with a major light heavyweight matchup leading the event. Former champion Jiri Prochazka will face unbeaten contender Navajo Stirling in the main event.The UFC Qatar 2026 Fight Card also features Aljamain Sterling, Dan Hooker, Brian Ortega and Kyoji Horiguchi. The event takes place on November 21 at ABHA Arena in Doha, marking the UFC’s second event in Qatar.
Jiri Prochazka vs Navajo Stirling Headlines UFC Qatar
Jiri Prochazka 32-6-1 returns after his unsuccessful championship bid against Carlos Ulberg in April. Prochazka hurt Ulberg during the fight but suffered a first-round knockout loss.
Despite that setback, the Czech fighter remains No. 3 in the light heavyweight rankings. His only UFC defeats have come in championship fights against Alex Pereira and Ulberg.
Navajo Stirling 11-0-0 enters as the undefeated No. 7 contender. The City Kickboxing prospect has won all six of his UFC appearances since earning his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series.
Stirling Gets His Biggest UFC Test
Stirling’s rise accelerated significantly during 2026. He has already recorded three knockout victories this year against Bruno Lopes, Ion Cutelaba and Jan Blachowicz.
His first-round victory over Jan Blachowicz proved he could handle an experienced former champion. Prochazka now represents another major jump in competition.
The result could have significant consequences near the top of the 205-pound division. Current champion Carlos Ulberg remains sidelined while recovering from a knee injury.
Aljamain Sterling Faces Kevin Vallejos
Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling 26-5-0 will meet Kevin Vallejos in a major featherweight matchup. Sterling has rebuilt momentum since moving permanently to 145 pounds.
Kevin Vallejos 18-1-0 enters with seven consecutive victories. The Argentine prospect has strengthened his position through stoppage wins over established opponents, including Giga Chikadze and Josh Emmett.
A convincing performance from either fighter could significantly improve their position in the featherweight title picture.
Dan Hooker Meets Brian Ortega at Lightweight
Dan Hooker 24-15-0 returns quickly after his September defeat against Salahdine Parnasse. The New Zealander suffered a first-round knockout at UFC Paris.
Brian Ortega 16-5-0 will move into another lightweight matchup after withdrawing from UFC 331. A cut above his eye forced Ortega out of his planned fight against Renato Moicano.
That withdrawal came shortly before the event, but Ortega has recovered quickly enough to accept the Qatar booking. Hooker’s aggressive striking and Ortega’s submission skills create one of the card’s most interesting stylistic matchups.
Kyoji Horiguchi Gets Another Major Flyweight Fight
Kyoji Horiguchi 36-6-0 will face Asu Almabayev in an important flyweight matchup. Horiguchi brings extensive championship experience from outside the UFC.
Asu Almabayev 24-3-0 has established himself among the division’s leading contenders. The matchup gives both fighters an opportunity to strengthen their championship case.
With the flyweight division continuing to evolve, the winner could move considerably closer to a future title opportunity.
Jared Cannonier Faces Ikram Aliskerov
Veteran middleweight Jared Cannonier 18-10-0 will meet Ikram Aliskerov in Doha. Cannonier remains one of the division’s most experienced contenders.
Ikram Aliskerov 18-2-0 gets another opportunity against a recognizable middleweight name. His grappling and power make him a dangerous opponent for the former title challenger.
The matchup offers Aliskerov a chance to add an important name to his record. Cannonier can use the fight to maintain his position against another younger contender.
Aleksandre Topuria Returns Against Santiago Luna
Aleksandre Topuria 7-1-0 will face Santiago Luna in a bantamweight contest. Topuria continues building his own UFC career while competing in one of the promotion’s deepest divisions.
Santiago Luna 8-1-0 will look to slow that rise in Qatar. Both fighters enter with relatively limited professional experience compared with several veterans elsewhere on the card.
The matchup gives Topuria another opportunity to establish his identity beyond being Ilia Topuria’s brother.
Shamil Gaziev Meets Tallison Teixeira
Heavyweights Shamil Gaziev and Tallison Teixeira will also compete in Doha. The matchup adds significant finishing power to the developing card.
Shamil Gaziev 15-2-0 has remained active against established UFC heavyweights. His previous run included a victory over Kennedy Nzechukwu, keeping him relevant in the heavyweight division.
Tallison Teixeira 8-1-0 will attempt to add another important victory to his young career. Both men have built reputations around their ability to finish fights.
Amir Albazi Rematches Alessandro Costa
Amir Albazi will meet Alessandro Costa in another important flyweight contest. Their history adds an extra layer to the matchup.
Amir Albazi 17-3-0 defeated Costa by unanimous decision when they met outside the UFC in 2019. Seven years later, they will finally run it back on a much bigger stage.
Alessandro Costa 17-5-0 enters the rematch after an active 2026 campaign. A victory would allow him to erase an old defeat while improving his position at 125 pounds.
Jake Matthews Faces Undefeated Akbar Abdullaev
Jake Matthews 22-7-0 will welcome undefeated Akbar Abdullaev to the UFC welterweight division. Matthews brings considerably more UFC experience into the matchup.
Akbar Abdullaev 14-0-0 enters his UFC debut with a perfect professional record. The Kyrgyz prospect has built considerable momentum before receiving his first Octagon opportunity.
Matching Abdullaev with Matthews immediately provides a useful test. A victory over the Australian veteran would quickly establish Abdullaev as a welterweight prospect worth following.
UFC Qatar 2026 Fight Card Announced So Far
The UFC has officially announced nine matchups for the November 21 event. More fights could still be added before fight week.
| Weight Class | Fight |
| Light Heavyweight | Jiri Prochazka vs Navajo Stirling |
| Featherweight | Aljamain Sterling vs Kevin Vallejos |
| Lightweight | Dan Hooker vs Brian Ortega |
| Flyweight | Asu Almabayev vs Kyoji Horiguchi |
| Middleweight | Jared Cannonier vs Ikram Aliskerov |
| Bantamweight | Aleksandre Topuria vs Santiago Luna |
| Heavyweight | Shamil Gaziev vs Tallison Teixeira |
| Flyweight | Amir Albazi vs Alessandro Costa |
| Welterweight | Jake Matthews vs Akbar Abdullaev |
When and Where Is UFC Qatar 2026?
UFC Qatar takes place on Saturday, November 21, at ABHA Arena in Doha. The UFC has confirmed Paramount+ will carry the event.
The promotion’s current event listing has the main card scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Card placement and broadcast timings can still change before November.
Tickets are scheduled to go on sale October 9. The event continues the UFC’s expansion in Qatar following its successful debut there in 2025.
UFC Returns to Qatar for the Second Time
The UFC made its Qatar debut in November 2025. Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker headlined that event in Doha.
Hooker will therefore appear on both UFC Qatar cards. This time, Ortega stands across from him in a lightweight matchup with plenty at stake for both veterans.
The promotion’s return also brings several fighters from across Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East region onto the card.
Final Thoughts
The UFC Qatar 2026 Fight Card already has considerable depth with nine announced fights. Prochazka versus Stirling gives the event a meaningful light heavyweight main event.
Sterling versus Vallejos and Hooker versus Ortega add established names behind the headliner. Horiguchi, Almabayev, Cannonier and several emerging prospects make the November 21 event even deeper.
FAQs
When is UFC Qatar 2026?
UFC Qatar 2026 takes place on Saturday, November 21.
Who is fighting in the UFC Qatar main event?
Jiri Prochazka will face undefeated Navajo Stirling in a five-round light heavyweight main event.
Where is UFC Qatar 2026 taking place?
The event will take place at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar.
Is Brian Ortega fighting at UFC Qatar?
Yes. Ortega is scheduled to face Dan Hooker in a lightweight matchup.
How many fights are confirmed for UFC Qatar 2026?
Nine fights have been announced as of September 30. The lineup can still expand or change before fight night.
