Saudi royalty encourages Dana White to put women on Saudi card and calls famed director Zack Snyder for UFC movie

Saudi Arabia’s sports scene is heating up, and it’s not just the desert sun. Turki Alalshikh is making waves in the world of UFC. After a successful UFC event in Riyadh, Alalshikh dropped a bombshell. He asked Dana White for an important addition to the next Saudi Arabia card and pleaded with Hollywood for a film revolving around the UFC.

The trio of Dana White, Turki Alalshikh, and Jon Anik stood in front of the camera after the UFC Fight Night event concluded. Alalshikh asked White to hold more UFC events in the Kingdom and include female fighters. He also hoped legendary director Zack Snyder would direct a UFC-based movie similar to Cinderella Man in the early 2000s.

Now I am asking, Dana, [for] the next time, we want to make it 30,000 here. We are waiting and we want women [fighters] also in the next fight [event]. Director Zack Snyder is a friend. We want to talk about doing a big movie about the UFC.
Turki Alalshikh following UFC on ABC 6 broadcast

This move could be a game-changer for women’s sports in Saudi Arabia. Currently, female athletes are rare in the desert kingdom. The land of traditional values is eyeing a progressive punch. The UFC will probably return to the Kingdom in the first quarter of 2025 after the success of the debut card.

Zack Snyder’s potential inclusion in the UFC sphere could have a big impact on the popularity of the sport. The famed director of 300 and Man of Steel might be tapped for a UFC movie. The slow-motion roundhouse kicks and dramatic octagon entrances would be enough to make any fight fan drool. Whether any of it comes to fruition remains to be seen.

Turki Alalshikh hopes for a long and fruitful relationship with the UFC

Unexpected partnerships can lead to explosive results in combat sports. Such is the case with Saudi Arabia’s entertainment mogul Turki Alalshikh and UFC CEO Dana White. The duo’s recent collaboration set the MMA world abuzz with excitement. Alalshikh, known for his grand visions, has found a kindred spirit in White.

Turki Alalshikh wants a long and fruitful relationship with the UFC (via Total Pro Sports)

Alalshikh couldn’t contain his enthusiasm a day before the UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia. He praised White as one of the best business guys in martial arts. Alalshikh hoped for a long and fruitful relationship between the UFC and the Kingdom.

With my brother Dana White, I’m very glad to see you today for the first time, UFC debut in the Kingdom, and it will not be the last time. And we want, my brother, to have big card, next big card. We have big card tomorrow in Riyadh. I think this is the beginning of big relationship…
Turki Alalshikh via X