Dana White has stepped outside the octagon and into the ring.
The president of UFC and Wwes Nick Khan, who together leader TKO Holdings, has agreed to bring a boxing campaign to Saudi Arabia.
TKO announced on Wednesday that it was going into a multi -year partnership with Turki Alalshikh, president of Saudi General Entertainment Authority, and Sela, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
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UFC CEO Dana White on stage during a UFC 300 News Conference in MGM Grand Garden Arena April 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“This is a strategic opportunity to reimburs the boxes of the box globally,” said TKO president and CEO Mark Shapiro. “TKO has the deep expertise, promotional skill and long -term conditions.
“Turki Alalshikh and Sela share our passion and vision to develop the current model. Together we can bring the sweet science back to the rightful place at the head of the global sports ecosystem.”
Saudi -Arabia General Entertainment Authority President Turki Alalshikh added, “I’m very happy today. I give the box’s flag to the best man who can handle it.
“We have a tough job now. But I’m sure he will deliver to the people and fans the magnificent league and get boxing great again.
“This milestone partnership between industry equipment sets the stage for an unmatched experience for boxers and fans,” continued Alalshikh. “Together we develop the next generation of talent and deliver world -class events at a time when the sport is due to further disturbance.”
UFC CEO Dana White on stage during a UFC 297 News Conference at Elgin and Winter Garden Theater Center 18. January 2024 in Toronto. (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“The model is proven – to deliver the matches that fans want to see. The best will fight best. And fighters will continue to move up the rankings and become world champions,” White said.
Martial arts have been part of Saudis’ sports games. Tyson Fury defeated Francis Ngannou there in October 2023. WWE also reached an agreement with the Saudis to host events there, and Royal Rumble will be held in Riyadh in 2026. Liv Golf is also funded by PIF, who also hosts an F1 race.
Alalshikh bought Ring magazine in November and arranges a May 2rd box card at Times Square.
UFC President Dana White with Jan Blachowicz from Poland after his divisive drag decision against Magomed Ankalaev from Russia in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship match under UFC 282 in T-Mobile Arena 10 December 2022 in Las Vegas. (Chris kids/zuffa llc)
The fighters on the map are known: Ryan Garcia against Rolando “Rolly” Romero in the main event; Devin Haney against Jose Ramirez in Co-Main; and Teofimo Lopez against Arnold Barboza Jr. in a title match like the opener.
