As we approach 2025, UFC boss Dana White is already gearing up to make its 33rd year a monumental one, leaving no stone unturned in its quest to deliver blockbuster pay-per-view events. Amidst a buzz of speculation, it has now been confirmed that the UFC will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the second time, with an exciting Fight Night event set for February 1, 2025. The event is expected to showcase the highly anticipated comeback of former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who is eager to bounce back after suffering two consecutive defeats, including the loss that cost him his title.

In the midst of the excitement surrounding Adesanya’s comeback, another intriguing rumor has emerged. Dana White is reportedly keen on stacking the Riyadh card with high-profile bouts to ensure a spectacular show. Among the highlights, Azerbaijani sensation Rafael Fiziev is rumored to be a part of this event. Fiziev’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, reportedly confirmed in an interview with Russian MMA outlet Ushatayka that Fiziev has agreed to fight on February 1st in Riyadh and already has an opponent lined up.

Additionally, Abdrakhmanov disclosed that Fiziev was initially slated to return at UFC Paris in September. He was considered a potential opponent for Benoît Saint-Denis, but the fight ultimately didn’t materialize. Instead, Renato Moicano stepped in and delivered a dominant performance against Saint-Denis, earning a brutal victory that garnered widespread attention.

Moicano’s emphatic win over Saint-Denis has reignited debates among fans, with some comparing its impact to Max Holloway’s legendary knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. While rumors about the February card have gained momentum, it has now been confirmed from Fiziev’s camp that he is ready for the fight. However, an official announcement from Dana White and the UFC is still pending.

Speculation continues to grow, especially with Saudi Arabia’s Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, reportedly keen on making the next UFC event in Saudi Arabia even bigger than before. If the UFC delivers on these rumors, stacking the card with names like Adesanya and Fiziev, it could turn out to be a historic night for the promotion. After all, what could be better than this for the Riyadh crowd?

Turki Alalshikh’s vision for Dana White’s next UFC Saudi Arabia event

Last summer, the UFC marked a milestone with its debut in Saudi Arabia, known as ‘The Land of the Two Holy Mosques.‘ This historic event was made possible thanks to Dana White’s new funding support from Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh. The Fight Night event featured a stacked fight card headlined by Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker. However, Chimaev was forced to withdraw due to an illness, causing a last-minute reshuffle of the card.

Despite the setback, the UFC’s Saudi Arabia debut was a massive success, drawing a 12,000-strong crowd that stayed in the arena past midnight. This remarkable turnout left Dana White stunned and boosted the confidence of both White and Alalshikh. Now, with sights set on even greater achievements, Turki Alalshikh is eager to expand his investment in the next UFC event in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a 30,000-seat audience.

In a recent interview with The MMA Hour, Alalshikh shared his aspirations, stating, “This is the first card in our country, and it is good, but we want more. The last time I saw Dana in New York, we discussed and finalized a deal for a big card at the end of this year or the beginning of [2025] in Riyadh, which will be two or three times bigger than this card.”

What’s your take on the highly anticipated UFC Saudi Arabia event? What big moves do you expect from Dana White and the matchmakers this time around? As for Israel Adesanya’s return, who do you think should stand across from him in the Octagon? With Sean Strickland and Jamahal Hill already locked into other plans by the promotion, it’s clear they’re not in the mix. So, who’s the ideal opponent to welcome Adesanya back to action? Share your thoughts below!