UFC Saudi Arabia Postponed: Seeking a More Star-Studded Event
The much-anticipated UFC event in Saudi Arabia, initially scheduled for March 2nd, has been postponed to a potential date in June, as per reports from renowned MMA reporter Ariel Helwani. The decision follows significant feedback from the organization’s partners in Saudi Arabia, expressing a desire for a more engaging and star-filled lineup.
This delay in the UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia coincides with other major fighting events in the region, including a Bellator vs. PFL gala on February 24 and a heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou on March 8.
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
Speculation is rife that the postponed UFC event might be upgraded to a pay-per-view spectacle, possibly featuring lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his title against Justin Gaethje in what would be a blockbuster main event.
As of now, the UFC has not officially commented on the postponement. However, it’s not surprising considering Saudi Arabia’s investment of $20 million in the event and their expectations for a lineup featuring more prominent names. The initially planned fights for UFC Saudi Arabia included matchups like Flyweight: Mohammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez, Heavyweight: Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev, among others.
