Why Saudi Arabia’s first UFC event could see return of Conor McGregor

18.10.2023 - 11:15 arabnews.com

RIYADH: The recent announcement that the UFC was coming to Saudi Arabia for the first time was in danger of becoming a footnote in a chaotic week for the MMA organization.

While upgrading the upcoming UFC 294 card in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 21, with flyweight champ Alexander Volkanovski and former welterweight king Kamaru Usman joining the card as replacement fighters, the UFC signed a significant deal with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.

And on March 2, 2024, UFC Fight Night will come to Riyadh. There are several reasons why this news is important. The most obvious is that Saudi UFC fans will see some of their favorite fighters up close as the Octagon finally lands in the Kingdom.

Beyond this, it shows the UFC’s commitment to hosting shows in the Middle East and is another step to inspire and unearth the next wave of regional fighters into the mix.

Conor McGregor Mma Ufc England Tyson Fury Francis Ngannou Conor Macgregor European Championship Gregg Berhalter Kamaru Usman Alexander Volkanovski Uae Ghana Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Dirab Square in Riyadh is set to be the venue for the concluding round of the Saudi Toyota Championship’s drift, time attack, and autocross events, between Nov. 2 and 4. The event is spearheaded by the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, with Abdul Latif Jameel Co.

Tabuk governor receives torch for 2023 Saudi Games

TABUK: Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Tabuk, received the torch of the second edition of the Saudi Games 2023 at the governorate’s headquarters on Tuesday as part of the promotional tour for the largest national sporting event in Saudi history. The prince praised the support and attention given to the Kingdom’s sports and youth sectors by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing his happiness at the arrival of the torch in Tabuk. He congratulated all those involved in the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee on the success of their sports and activities. The torch toured the Tabuk region amid celebrations by the local community who wished to express their support for the event. The tour, which began in Riyadh and is traveling throughout the Kingdom, stopped at the University of Tabuk, Tabuk Gate, Prince Fahad bin Sultan Park, and the Emirate of Tabuk. It aims to engage everyone in celebrating the Saudi Games, introducing athletes, raising awareness, and promoting the contest, its values and goals, with the participation of various private and public sector agencies. The games will be held in Riyadh from Nov.

Watch: Cristiano Walks Past Salman Khan, Hugs Ronaldo In Never-Seen-Before Crossover

In an epic crossover of Bollywood and football, India's film industry superstar Salman Khan and iconic footballer Cristiano Ronaldo came in the same frame as they attended a boxing event in Saudi Arabia. Salman and Cristiano were spotted sitting next each other as they watched take on Francis Ngannou. It isn't yet known if Salman and Ronaldo had any exchange on the sidelines of the event, but in one of the videos that have surfaced on social media, Cristiano could be seen walking past Salman before hugging the great 'Ronaldo de Nazario'.

Tyson Fury’s proposed fight with Oleksandr Usyk could be pushed back

Tyson Fury is doubtful to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed world heavyweight title on December 23 after being left bloodied and bruised in a contentious points win over Francis Ngannou.

Tyson Fury survives scare from former UFC fighter Ngannou to win split decision in ‘Battle of the Baddest’

RIYADH: Reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s appearance against an MMA fighter making his boxing debut figured to be another show to go along with his other ventures. Francis Ngannou proved, however, he wouldn’t be the pushover so many anticipated. Ngannou not only shockingly took Fury the 10-round distance, he came within one judge’s scoreboard of pulling off the upset early Sunday morning. Juan Carlos Pelayo of Mexico scored the fight 96-93 for Fury and Alan Krebs of the United States gave him a 95-94 victory. Ed Garner of Canada gave the fight to Ngannou at 95-94. “That definitely wasn’t in the script,” Fury said.

Heavyweight champ Fury survives scare from former UFC fighter Ngannou to win split decision

Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou shockingly went the distance in his boxing debut early Sunday morning, even knocking down reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury at one point, but Fury remained undefeated after winning a split decision in Saudi Arabia.