The UFC will hold its first ever card in Saudi Arabia on March 2, 2024, expanding its global presence, following a recent merger with WWE under the TKO Group Holdings banner.
The UFC has announced plans to expand its global presence by hosting its first-ever card in Saudi Arabia in 2024. The inaugural UFC Fight Night is scheduled to take place on March 2, 2024, although the fights are yet to be determined. This move to Saudi Arabia follows the recent merger of the UFC with WWE under the new TKO Group Holdings banner, with Endeavor as the majority shareholder.
WWE has enjoyed a strong partnership with Saudi Arabia in recent years, signing a lucrative contract to hold at least two major events per year there, reportedly earning $50 million annually. The next WWE card in Saudi Arabia is already scheduled for November 4. Like WWE, the UFC event will be conducted in collaboration with the Saudi General Entertainment Authority.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a significant player in the sports and entertainment industries, with deals in various fields such as golf, auto racing, and major boxing events. In fact, former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, will be taking on Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated boxing match in Riyadh on October 28. The significance of this first UFC event in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain, as it is yet to be determined if it will lead to a broader partnership.
For now, fans can anticipate the debut UFC card in Saudi Arabia in March 2024, as the global MMA promotion continues to expand its footprint worldwide.