The UFC’s Saudi Arabia debut has been delayed, so combat fans must mark their calendars for June. A postponement has been announced for UFC Fight Night 238 at Boulevard Hall in Riyadh on March 2. According to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, the Saudi Arabian officials were unhappy with the scheduled bout card.
UFC Saudi Arabia Rescheduled: Fight Night or Pay-Per-View? Fans Await Card Shake-Up in the Combat Sports Powerhouse
Uncertain is whether the postponed event will keep its Fight Night structure or become a pay-per-view. The initial UFC Fight Night 238 lineup included Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev and Alex Perez vs. Muhammad Mokaev as of Monday. Without a headliner, fans speculated about card adjustments for the forthcoming Saudi Arabia tournament.
Saudi Arabia has become a combat sports powerhouse in recent months. The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund bought a minority investment in the Professional Fighters League last summer, showing interest in the sport.
Francis Ngannou fought Tyson Fury in Riyadh in October, and he’ll fight Anthony Joshua on March 8. TKO executive Mark Shapiro reported a $20 million UFC deal for Saudi Arabian events, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combat sports.
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Anticipation Builds as UFC Saudi Arabia Event Faces Temporary Postponement for Enhanced Fight Night
Despite the UFC’s interest in Saudi Arabia, the event’s status has not been announced. This postponement, to ensure a top-notch fight card, enhances to fans’ excitement for the historic UFC event in Saudi Arabia.
While the UFC Saudi Arabia event faces a temporary postponement, fight fans can now look forward to a reworked and maybe even more entertaining fight night in June with a card that meets the exacting tastes of fans and Saudi Arabian officials.