The highly-anticipated UFC event in Saudi Arabia, originally scheduled for March 2nd at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, has been moved to June. This unexpected change, which was reported exclusively by Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, indicates that the Saudi Arabian authorities want a more entertaining and high-profile fight card as they were dissatisfied with the initial lineup of fights.
Desire for More Well-Known Fighters
Now that the UFC must organize a more captivating event, everyone is eager to see which bigger names will be part of it. While no fights were officially confirmed for the March 2nd event, there were rumors about potential matchups. Speculations about fighters like Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Alex Perez, and Eryk Anders participating in the rescheduled event in June are making rounds in the fighting world.
Global Expansion of UFC and WWE
Both UFC and WWE, which are managed by Endeavor, have been focused on expanding their global presence by hosting events around the world. The first UFC event in Saudi Arabia is a significant milestone in achieving that goal. However, the date change highlights the challenges of meeting the expectations of diverse audiences and consistently delivering high-quality and engaging content.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Event
It is currently uncertain which fights will take place during the rescheduled event. The possibility of Russian favorite and undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, competing in June, potentially in a title fight against former interim champion Justin Gaethje, adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming event. Considering Ramadan, many Muslim fighters abstain from fighting during that time, making it more complex for the UFC to reschedule the Saudi Arabia card for June with more prominent fighters.
As the world eagerly anticipates the final lineup, the UFC is determined to deliver an unforgettable spectacle. The rescheduled event is expected to showcase the UFC’s growth and global reach, embodying the raw and captivating spirit of UFC fights with a selection of the sport’s most well-known fighters.
