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Saudi Arabia is rapidly solidifying its place as a global hub for combat sports. Most recently it hosted the heavyweight title clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. In February, UFC makes its second appearance in the Kingdom with the highly anticipated middleweight showdown between former champion Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov, the French-Dagestan fighter renowned for his wrestling pedigree.
These fights form part of Riyadh Season which incorporates a series of internationally significant sporting events taking place in 2024 and 2025. The UFC’s first trip to Saudi Arabia came last spring when the main event saw Australia’s Robert Whittaker knock out the Russian Ikram Aliskerov inside two minutes. In addition to boxing and MMA, the season also sees the Dana White-led Power Slap championship land in the country.
An Attractive Location for Top-Level Combat Sports
The Middle Eastern country is proving an increasingly attractive place for top-level boxing and UFC fights. A big factor is its financial might. Underpinned by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia is able to deliver record-breaking fighter payouts and secure blockbuster matchups that might otherwise remain elusive. For instance, Anthony Joshua earned a staggering $85 million for his rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr., a figure unmatched in the UK or US.
Beyond lucrative paydays, the kingdom’s commitment to world-class event production sets a new standard for fight presentation. Venues like the purpose-built Diriyah Arena combine cutting-edge technology with stunning settings, transforming bouts into global spectacles. Moreover, Saudi Arabia provides neutral ground for fighters, free from the partisan pressures often seen in UK or US crowds, allowing the competition to shine on its own merits.
UFC Returns in 2025
As well as the fight between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov, the action-packed card at the ANB Arena features an electrifying co-main event featuring undefeated Dagestani sensation Shara Magomedov against England’s striking specialist Michael “Venom” Page. Bolaji Oki, who has stepped in for Jordan Leavitt, will also take on Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady. Oki has only had a short stint in UFC so far, but his impressive record in MMA overall sees him a slight favorite with UFC betting odds tipping him to come out on top. Other bouts feature Shamil Gaziev, who some bookmakers have priced at +345 to beat Thomas Petersen, and Terrence McKinney versus Damir Hadzovic.
Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on combat sports is transforming the sporting landscape. High-profile events like UFC Fight Night 250 and boxing matches like the recent Tyson Fury versus Oleksandr Usyk battle for the undisputed heavyweight title are now a reality. The Kingdom’s ability to unite promoters, broadcasters, and fighters has elevated the sport to new heights, while its focus on diversifying its economy through Vision 2030, places sports such as boxing and UFC at the center of its global strategy. Indeed, fans may have noticed that Riyadh Season sponsored UFC 306 last autumn at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The Kingdom’s commitment to reshaping the fight game suggests we’ll see even more iconic matchups staged in Saudi Arabia in the years to come.