Saudi delegates are looking to expand their involvement in the combat sports community. Interestingly, UFC CEO Dana White recently stated his wish to enter the world of boxing. Recently, there has been exciting news about a potential collaboration between TKO and Saudi Arabia to establish a new boxing league.
In September 2023, the UFC and WWE merged to create TKO Group Holdings, Inc. Following this, stars from both organizations have participated in crossover events. The TKO Group is now aiming to expand its presence beyond WWE and UFC into the world of boxing. According to the New York Times, the parent company of Dana White’s UFC is planning to establish a league that will concentrate on emerging boxers.
Further information, including the specific name of the league, has yet to be disclosed. At this time, the company has indicated that they have no additional announcements to make. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a significant player in the world of boxing. The nation has served as the grand stage for numerous high-profile title bouts.
Saudi Arabia is close to starting a boxing league with TKO: https://t.co/hKACdUHGjA
— Kevin Draper (@kevinmdraper) January 8, 2025
White, a prominent board member of TKO Group, has always harbored a deep passion for boxing. This enthusiasm came to the forefront following the highly publicized 2017 bout between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather, which sparked White’s interest in establishing Zuffa Boxing.
However, despite his ambitions, that venture ultimately did not materialize. Recently, the announcement of a strategic partnership between TKO and Saudi Arabia has caused a stir in the community. As such, there is speculation that White could play a pivotal role in the operations of this new collaboration.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson has some advice for Dana White’s boxing ambition
The boxing community is home to many notable personalities who are dedicated to elevating the sport’s stature. One prominent figure is Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA). Interestingly, Alalshikh has developed a strong friendship with UFC CEO Dana White, who is currently generating buzz with his potential move into the world of boxing.
Dana White and Turki Alalshikh together (Image via Instagram/@turkialalshik)Several notable figures in the boxing community have shared their thoughts on White’s potential role as a boxing promoter. Among them, boxing legend Mike Tyson also weighed in. As such, ‘Iron Mike’ even offered advice for the UFC CEO while speaking on Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo’s podcast show.
Listen, I would love to give him some insights and everything. He has also given me some insights. I think he’s going to do a good job I think so, I really do. If he gets the fights, the name of the game is to get the fighters and get the most money for the least risk, you know. He needs a great matchmaker, that’s what no one has now. They don’t know how to put great matches together, where the fight’s going to be exciting.
Mike Tyson via Pound 4 Pound podcast
Turki Alalshikh is currently one of the leading matchmakers in the boxing community. Since his involvement, he has facilitated some of the most talked-about matchups in the sport. Given his friendly relationship with the UFC CEO, it will be interesting to see if Alalshikh and Dana White collaborate on White’s potential boxing project.
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