UAE Warriors 67: Caio Machado vs. Tom Breese makes headlines Huge card in Abu DhabiUAE Warriors 67: Caio Machado vs. Tom Breese makes headlines Huge card in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Featured veterans Caio Machado AND Tom Breese they successfully made weight on Friday, officially confirming their long-awaited showdown at United Arab Emirates Warriors 67scheduled for Saturday evening at ADNEC Center in Abu Dhabi.
Contains 12 exhilarating fights AND 24 of the fastest rising talents in the world’s mixed martial artsUAE Warriors 67 kicks off 2026 in a mighty way, promoting the most essential combat sports promotion in the Middle East.
Machado vs. Breese headlines a can’t-miss main event
The headliner is a fight that wouldn’t look out of place on a UFC card, bringing together two talented and still risky lightweight heavyweights whose clash attracted a lot of attention from the global MMA media when announced.
Brazil Caio Machado (11-4) -A Winner of the Dana White Contender Series — made a spectacular promotional debut last year flying knee knockout in the first round Kevin Oumar. Machado is extremely tough he was never arrested in 15 professional fights.
On the other side of the Octagon stands Tom Breese (20-7)a seasoned British veteran in his 16th edition of the competition. Breese is the owner 14 wins by submissionfive UFC wins and championship success in both BAMMA AND LFL. Coming into the fight in ominous form, Breese remains one of the most risky grapplers in the division.
This main event is widely regarded as one of the biggest in recent UAE Warriors history and is the perfect headliner to kick off the 2026 promotional calendar.
Yellow vs. Ribeiro advanced to the main event
After health issues forced the cancellation of a planned co-main event in between Akbarion Islamoev AND Ali Gulievfeatherweight clash between Sylvester Gray (12-6) AND Gustavo Ribeiro (7-1) was elevated to second major status.
Chipumbu enters as the reigning champion Intercontinental featherweight championalthough his belt won’t be on the line. The Zimbabwean impressed last July with a dominant performance to clinch the title against the veterans But AlQaisi.
Brazilian newcomer Ribeiro, a national champion in kickboxingis making his debut for the UAE Warriors and has publicly promised to finish the first round quickly. With contrasting styles and high stakes, this fight has all the elements to steal Fight of the Night crown.
Rashid Vagabov returns with UFC aspirations
After a dominant but unfinished performance at Dana White’s Challenger Series, Rashid Wagabov (14-2) returns for the fifth time with the UAE Warriors, knowing that victory is crucial. UFC President Dana White indicated that Vagabov could get another look with a couple of decisive victories.
Kazakhstan stands in his way Sanzhar Adilov (14-2)multiple Alash Pride 125-pound championwho announced 2026 as the year of his career’s flourishing. With both fighters boasting elite grappling skills, fans can expect a fast-paced fight and razor-sharp edges.
Berkhamov vs. Loureiro promises violence
Former Bellator, PFL, ACA and ACB star Mukhamed “Cherkes” Berkhamov (17-4) makes his debut for the UAE Warriors against an explosive striker Jackson Loureiro (15-5-1) in a fascinating clash of wrestling and Muay Thai.
Berkhamov has been submitted only once in 21 fights, and before that he rode on A streak of 12 straight wins before you fail Lorenzo Larkin. Meanwhile, Loureiro comes in fresh knockout on knees in the first round in Montpellier, which earned him an award Dynamite featherweight title.
If there’s one fight that probably won’t make it to the judges, it’s this one.
The main card begins with a high-stakes catchweight clash
The main card will start with a catchweight fight between the most experienced fighter on the line-up, Rony “Ratinho” Henrique (20-14)and the undefeated perspective of the Armenians Morris Boleyan (8-0).
Henrique fought, a former four-division champion in multiple promotions last year seven times. Boleyan returns after a two-year break he submitted all eight opponentssix in the first round. The stage is set for a potential breakthrough moment.
A landmark event for the UAE warriors
WITH 14 additional fighters competing on a loaded undercard and CEO Fouad Darwish announcing an ambitious 2026 event schedule that includes both MMA and Jiu JitsuUAE Warriors 67 is the biggest and most essential card in the promotion’s recent history.
The road to the biggest year in MMA history in the Middle East begins on Saturday night.
UAE Warriors 67 – full fight card
Lightweight heavyweight: Caio Machado (11-4) vs. Tom Breese (20-7)
Featherweight: Sylvester Chipumbu (12-6) vs. Gustavo Ribeiro (7-1)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: (L-R) Opponents Magomed Ankalaev of Russia and Bogdan Guskov of Uzbekistan face off during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Etihad Arena on July 24, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)
MMA Fighting has PFL D.C. results for the Jean vs. Rodriguez fight card from CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C on Saturday night.
In the main event, Thad Jean takes on late-notice replacement Ernesto Rodriguez for the vacant PFL welterweight title. The 2025 PFL welterweight champion, Jean was originally scheduled to face 2024 PFL champion Shamil Musaev in the bout, but Musaev withdrew this week, allowing Rodriguez, who was booked to fight Aaron McKenzie on the undercard, to step in.
A light heavyweight slugfest between Tyson Pedro and Rafael Xavier serves as the co-main event.
The PFL D.C. prelim card kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card following at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Check out the PFL D.C. results below.
Main Card (10 p.m. ET on ESPN)
Thad Jean vs. Ernesto Rodriguez — Vacant welterweight title fight
UFC Abu Dhabi has taken a late just before the event was set to kick off.
Saturday's Fight Night card will go down with only 12 bouts after the cancellation of a main card bout between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman, the promotion announced just hours before the start of the event.
According to the promotion, Dulatov was forced off the welterweight bout due to illness. On a statement posted on Dulatov's social media Saturday morning, his team revealed the fighter had to be hospitalized on Friday.
“Last night, Islam was admitted to the hospital due to an infection and spent several hours receiving medical treatment,†the statement read. “Despite every effort to keep the fight on, the decision was made together with the UFC to withdraw him from the bout in the interest of his health and well-being. Right now, the only priority is for Islam to make a full recovery. He will personally address everyone with a statement as soon as he is able.â€
Dulatov's team added that “Islam will use this time to recover completely and will come back stronger than ever.â€
Turman, who was set to make his return to the cage after two and a half years away, sidelined that long due to four shoulder surgeries, said on his social media he wishes Dulatov a quick recovery and hopes for a fast turnaround, re-booking the Dulatov bout or facing a new opponent instead.
The UFC has yet to announce if a fight will be moved to the main card.