Riyadh readies for UFC debut event in June
Riyadh readies for UFC debut event in June
With excitement building for the first Saudi-based UFC Fight Night, all eyes are on Riyadh as it gears up to host this must-see summer event for both seasoned and new UFC enthusiasts in the region
20 May 24
النزال المنتظر: يو أف سي فايت نايت، المصدر: إنستغرام ufc
Saudi is fast becoming the international hub of high-octane sporting events.
Just last week, the world witnessed a seismic upset, when Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk claimed the title of undisputed heavyweight champion of the world by defeating Tyson Fury.
And now the UFC is bringing professional mixed martial arts (MMA) to Saudi.
Taking over the Kingdom Arena, the first ever UFC Fight Night will take place on Saturday June 22.
Originally slated to take place on March 2, the inaugural UFC fight-night was postponed to ensure the top international talent would be available to take part - and now we know the athletes set to take place.
Australian former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will return to the Kingdom Arena Octagon once again; in February at UFC 298, Whittaker beat Brazil's Paulo Costa by a judge's decision and now the champ is coming back. With the goal of extending his winning streak in the middle-weight division, Whittaker will take on seasoned Russian MMA pro fighter Khamzat Chimaev in the main event.
Dubai-based Chimaev is determined to maintain his unbeaten record and ascend the ranks as a middleweight sensation. With an impressive record of six knockout wins, five submissions, and eight first-round finishes, all eyes are on this title clash in Riyadh, this June.
In addition to this thrilling matchup, UFC fans visiting Saudi Arabia can anticipate another epic showdown on the same night. Russia's Sergei Pavlovich will go head-to-head against fellow Russian fighter Alexander Volkov in an all-Russian clash of heavyweight titans.
Expected to grace Riyadh's octagon are top 10 UFC Light Heavyweight contenders Johhny Walker and Volkan Dezedemir. Additionally, UFC Welterweight contenders Kelvin Gastelum and Daniel Rodriguez are slated to join the action.
Saturday June 22, from 5pm,
Tickets from SAR 100,
Kingdom Arena, Riyadh
Buy your tickets here
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