UFC’s First Saudi Arabia Event Delayed, Possibly Moved to June
The UFC’s first-ever scheduled event in Saudi Arabia has been delayed.
According to reports, an event was scheduled for March 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a UFC Fight Night card. But Ariel Helwani said this has now been postponed until possibly June. Helwani claims the Kingdom was looking for a higher-profile card than what was on offer since the Saudis had reportedly paid a $20 million site fee. The UFC has not formally announced any changes, nor is it clear if any rescheduled fights will be at a new location.
Ariel Helwani: Planned UFC event in Saudi Arabia is being postponed and the target is June 📆 #TheMMAHour
▶️ https://t.co/Mpnj3eZcVQ pic.twitter.com/9kA0hCxac8
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) January 15, 2024
Saudi Arabia has the Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou boxing fight lined up in the same month on March 8, showing there is no shortage of combat-sports action in the Kingdom. They are also set to hold the undisputed heavyweight championship between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17, with plans for an undisputed summer fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Their focus is to put on the most significant events, leaving Dana White and the UFC much to ponder over where their biggest cards take place.
Reaction
Saidi arabia calls the shots lol
— Robbie_Snipe⚛️ (@RobbieSnipe) January 15, 2024
Fair enough. They're paying for it and they want a strong card to sell.
— Lex Jurgen (@Lex_Jurgen) January 15, 2024
Saudi’s stand on business
— Big Bird (@bigbird_ph) January 15, 2024