The recent meeting between UFC President Dana White and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Entertainment, Turki Alalshikh, was more than just a handshake, it was a seismic shift that likely will send shockwaves through both the MMA and boxing worlds when they get going on working together in 2024 and beyond.
The imagery was symbolic in some ways, White, the brash, outspoken face of the UFC, presenting Alalshikh, a rising power broker in the sports world, with the coveted BMF belt.
It was a gesture of respect, a sign of a budding alliance that could have far-reaching implications.
But how far though?
With Darren Till boxing at the weekend, Masvidal and Diaz putting on a great boxing match too, things seem to be changing in combat sports in all sorts of ways this year.
Saudi Arabia, with its deep pockets and ambitious plans to become a global sports hub, has already made significant inroads into boxing, hosting high-profile events and luring top talent.
Now, with White at the table, maybe the kingdom’s sights are set on MMA next. If that’s the case, the UFC will surely look to work with them.
The possibilities are tantalizing.
Imagine mega-events featuring the UFC’s biggest stars, held in state-of-the-art arenas, with purses that dwarf anything seen before.
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Imagine cross-promotional fights between MMA champions and boxing legends, a spectacle that would captivate fans worldwide, in the sports mainstream.
What’s more, you might see more co-promotional events featuring MMA and boxing on the same fight cards. That is potentially game changing for the combat sports, and sports industry, period. Think about it.
But it’s not just about spectacle.
This alliance could lead to infrastructure development too, training programs for fighters, and a grassroots movement in the Middle East that could elevate combat sports in the region to unprecedented heights too.
Whether this meeting marks the dawn of a new era or simply a fleeting moment of intrigue remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain, the world of combat sports is watching, changing, waiting and the stakes have never been higher than now.
Big things ahead.
(Image courtesy of Turki Alalshikh Twitter)
