The landscape of combat sports transformed following the WWE and UFC merger, paving the way for potentially lucrative deals. UFC is gearing up to host a high-stakes Fight Night in Saudi Arabia, promising substantial earnings in a colossal upcoming event. Recent reports hint at former WWE CEO Vince McMahon‘s influential role in securing a UFC deal with Saudi Arabia. 

Saudi Arabia has confirmed its hosting of an upcoming UFC Fight Night event in March 2024. But do you know McMahon’s role at TKO in helping the deal come along? Many believe that WWE’s Chairman of the Board substantially supported this significant deal.

McMahon’s influence on UFC’s Saudi Arabia deal

The Stamford-based promotion and the MMA promotion joined forces, creating TKO Group Holdings on September 12th. McMahon’s role in TKO now grants him significant decision-making power, including a veto right. It allows his participation in UFC decisions as he has been appointed the Executive Chairman at TKO.

Nevertheless, he is also anticipated to play a role in the day-to-day operations of UFC. Speculation from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter suggests that Vince McMahon’s relationship with the Saudi government may have played a pivotal role in UFC’s significant deal. It’s similar to WWE’s ongoing agreement with the Middle Eastern nation.

According to the newsletter, “Those in WWE had told us that Vince was involved in UFC’s new deal with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia had been interested in MMA in the past and had made a huge offer to Khabib Nurmagomedov to come out of retirement but Nurmagomedov decided against it. But Vince’s relationships there helped UFC close a similar big money deal.” WWE’s success in Saudi Arabia may have also played a role in this decision.

Dana White will reveal the fight card for the upcoming UFC event as part of Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season festival. Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is currently hosting a series of high-profile events. We will have to see how WWE and UFC’s business interactions evolve in the months ahead.

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Both entities have a history of intense competition with each other. Now coming up, it could also include the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou bout and the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel premium live event.

Crown Jewel 2023 returns to Riyadh

WWE’s Crown Jewel returns to Riyadh on November 4, featuring an action-packed card with four title matches. The main event showcases Roman Reigns defending his WWE Universal Championship against rising star LA Knight. The live telecast for the United States audience starts at 1 PM ET. However, one can stream the event on Peacock.

Additionally, other key fights include Seth Rollins versus Drew McIntyre for the World Heavyweight Championship. There is also Rey Mysterio against Logan Paul for the United States Championship, and Rhea Ripley facing multiple challengers in a Fatal Five-Way match for the Women’s World Championship. It includes a showdown between Cody Rhodes and Damian Priest. 

The event, airing live on Peacock, promises excitement for fans. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated premium live event. What are your thoughts about Vince McMahon’s recent moves? Let us know in the comments below. 

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