UFC To Debut In Saudi Arabia With Massive Headliner

The UFC will make its Saudi Arabia debut in June as the fight promotion becomes the latest American entity to affiliate itself with the Kingdom and its questionable human rights record.

UFC TO DEBUT IN SAUDI ARABIA IN JUNE

"On Saturday, June 22nd, we'll be going to Saudi Arabia. Our first fight in the Kingdom will be a Fight Night that will air live and free on ABC and the main event will be former Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker vs 13-0, undefeated Khamzat Chimaev," UFC President Dana White proudly announced Wednesday.

White has a lot to be happy about - in addition to one hell of a main event that already has fight fans losing their minds, No. 3 ranked Sergie Pavlovich will face No. 6 ranked Alexander Volkov as well as fights that include stars such as Kelvin Gastellum, Johnny Walker and more.

SAUDI A BIGGER THREAT THAN CHINA

Saudi Arabia and their Saudi Private Investment Fund that is made up of billions of dollars thanks to oil revenue and other backing, have been able to either purchase, partner with, or leverage big name companies, organizations and leagues with their massive wealth.

Recently, Saudi Arabia granted former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current boxer Francis Ngannou a residency for his future fights. WWE has had multiple events in the Kingdom as well despite their anti-women rhetoric and discrimination. Even Jake Paul has fought there in recent months - securing himself a big pay day as a proxy for the Saudis and their ‘sportswashing.'

Sportswashing is a newer term that has been used to describe countries and organizations that use sports in order to distract criticism due to their wrongdoings. Saudi Arabia has been directly tied to some of the 9-11 hijackers, as well as also had levels of the government connected to the murder of Jamal Khasoggi. 

The UFC's Saudi move is disappointing for those that believe we should try to stand up to Saudi Arabia during this critical time trying to slow down America's decline. I've even written about how the Saudis are a bigger threat than China as the Saudi expansion shows no sign of slowing down.

It looks like another one bites the [sand] dust as the UFC - Saudi deal is ready to go. Expect others to follow suit.