In 2024, the UFC will have its first-ever event in Saudi Arabia, thus broadening its reach internationally.
On March 2, 2024, the promotion will have a debut UFC Fight Night card there, with the matches to be decided in the next months. Following an original report from ESPN, promotion officials confirmed the news on Wednesday.
Only a few weeks have passed since the UFC and WWE officially combined forces under the new TKO Group Holdings name, with Endeavour holding the majority of the stock.
Also Read:
Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev Confirmed For UFC 294
UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 Fight Card, Date, Odds, Location
Paulo Costa And Khamzat Chimaev Still On:’ Borrachinha’ Denies Pullout Rumours From UFC 294
March 2024: Saudi Arabia Fixed To Hold UFC Fight Night Card
The nation in the Middle East has made significant investments in the sports entertainment sector as part of its drive to establish itself as a major global sports hub.
After signing a lucrative contract to deliver at least two high-profile events to Saudi Arabia each year, WWE has maintained a solid relationship with the country in recent years. According to the agreement, WWE receives $50 million a year.
On November 4, the next significant WWE event is already planned for Saudi Arabia.
The UFC card will be held in collaboration with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, much like WWE.
The UFC is by far the biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in the world, and MMA is expanding quickly everywhere. The Las Vegas-based campaign had the ideal chance to enter Saudi Arabia thanks to the country’s friendly policies.
A recent press release states that on March 2, 2024, Riyadh Season will collaborate with the UFC to organise a Fight Night event in Saudi Arabia. The fights on this card will be revealed by Dana White in the upcoming months.
Of course, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a significant force in sports and entertainment in recent years, with agreements for major boxing matches, auto races, and golf tournaments. In fact, Francis Ngannou, a former heavyweight champion of the UFC, will square off against Tyson Fury on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
There has been no announcement on whether this inaugural UFC event will lead to a more substantial cooperation with Saudi Arabia. For currently, a debut event for the UFC will take place there in March 2024.