Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will meet fans in Abu Dhabi this week as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, ahead of UFC 333.

The Nigerian-American star is scheduled to attend a meet-and-greet session at Yas Mall on Wednesday alongside featherweight contender Jean Silva and Moroccan featherweight Marwan Rahiki.

The appearance forms part of the UFC Fan Experience events leading up to the numbered card at Etihad Arena on Saturday.

Usman has strong ties to the UAE capital. He successfully defended his welterweight title against Jorge Masvidal on Fight Island in July 2020 and later competed there against Khamzat Chimaev.

“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.

“Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is a great opportunity for us to connect with the fans outside the octagon, and I’m excited to be back, meet them and be part of another huge week for UFC in Abu Dhabi.”

UFC 333 is headlined by featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defending his title against Movsar Evloev, with a bantamweight title rematch between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event.