This past weekend saw the UFC hold its inaugural event in Saudi Arabia, and it was a huge success. The crowd was massive, and the fight card was stacked from top to bottom. Although the majority of the fights were amazing, one had a truly bizarre moment.
During a preliminary bantamweight fight between Xiao Long and Chango Lee, the fighters kept fighting even after a round was finished. Both the fighters failed to realize and thought there was still time in the round. The commentators realized it and Daniel Cormier couldn’t believe what he was watching.
Umm…they still fightingÂ
DC via the commentary table at UFC Saudi Arabia
After that, it was Jon Anik who took responsibility and shouted that the round was over. The same thing happened with the referee who couldn’t stop the fighters after the time was over. It was truly an awkward situation and the fighters didn’t have a clue of what was happening. After it was made clear that the round had ended, the referee jumped in to stop the fight from progressing.Â
Other than this, the fight card went incredible. Fan favorite Sharaputdin Magomedov picked up a TKO victory. In the co-main event, Alexander Volkov beat Sergio Pavlovich via unanimous decision. The main event bout saw Robert Whittaker dropping opponent Ikram Aliserov in the first round with a brutal KO. As such, UFC CEO, Dana White had a positive attitude towards the event.
Dana White reviews the first-ever UFC Saudi Arabia eventÂ
Dana White is always excited to take UFC to a new place and hold a massive event. Given the welcome the promotion receives in the Middle East, the expectations were high before UFC Saudi Arabia. While the plans were huge and the anticipation was big, there were many roadblocks that came before the UFC head honcho. Many last-minute desperate changes were to be made but in the end, the promotion was ready for the show on time.Â
Dana White speaks about UFC Saudi Arabia (via Imago/MMA Fighting)It turned out pretty well and the crowd was happy too. Dana White was asked about his experience of UFC Saudi Arabia and he had some posting things to say. According to White, it turned out amazing and they are expecting to come back soon.
Yeah, it was amazing. Our first time in the kingdom and my first time here. It was a great experience. We’re looking forward to the next one.
Dana White via UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight interview
The next event is scheduled for sometime in the first quarter of 2025, according to White and Turki Al-Sheikh, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia. Al-Sheikh, who has played a key role in organizing big boxing events, including Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk in May, stated he anticipates White would raise the bar for the fight by drawing in more spectators and displaying some of the best talents in the UFC.
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