UFC to hold first-ever show in Saudi Arabia

UFC is scheduled to hold its first-ever show in Saudi Arabia.

It was announced today that the UFC will make its Saudi Arabia debut with a Fight Night event on March 2, 2024. The show, which is in partnership with the Saudi General Sports Authority, will be part of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season festival.

“As part of its thrilling activities, Riyadh Season will host a UFC Fight Night in collaboration with UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization on Saturday, March 2, 2024,” a press release announcing the show said.

“The event will feature a variety of UFC’s most successful and internationally known fighters. UFC CEO Dana White will announce participating athletes in the coming months.”

In 2018, Endeavor — UFC’s parent company — ended its business relationship with the Saudi government. The decision was due to the Saudi government’s role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Endeavor finalized its acquisition of WWE last month. With the deal, WWE and the UFC have been merged into one publicly traded company named TKO Group Holdings.

WWE has regularly held major events in Saudi Arabia since 2018. The shows are part of a long-term deal between WWE and the Saudi government.

Next month, WWE Crown Jewel is being held in Saudi Arabia during Riyadh Season. A boxing match between Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou is also set for the festival. Fury vs. Ngannou is happening on October 28. Crown Jewel will then take place on November 4.