The UFC has expanded its connection with the Middle East through a renewed agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting another event in the region, along with a strategic collaboration to sponsor an upcoming fight card at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the board of directors of the general entertainment authority in Saudi Arabia, revealed the extension of the deal with the UFC, which was enthusiastically welcomed by UFC CEO Dana White.
This extended partnership involves bringing another UFC event to Saudi Arabia in 2024 or 2025, following the upcoming card featuring Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev on June 22. Additionally, Riyadh Season, the annual sports and entertainment festival in Saudi Arabia, has committed to sponsoring the upcoming UFC 306 card in Las Vegas. The event is set to occur on Sept. 14, the weekend before Mexican Independence Day.
Alashikh emphasized that this agreement aligns with Riyadh Season’s objective to host global events and engage a diverse audience. The collaboration with Saudi Arabia comes after WWE’s longstanding connection with the country, as WWE is preparing for an event in Jeddah on May 25. The previous deal with Saudi Arabia reportedly involved a $20 million site fee for the UFC, and the new agreement is projected to be even more financially rewarding.
