WWE & UFC ‘firmly moving ahead’ with planned Saudi Arabia events
Despite “a challenging environment,” both WWE, UFC and Zuffa Boxing are still heading to Saudi Arabia this year and expect to keep their commitments in the Middle East in 2026.
That news was revealed by TKO head Mark Shapiro during Wednesday’s TKO investors call with Shapiro confirming the news during his pre-recorded opening monologue.
Shapiro said he wanted to “address activity in the Middle East and neighboring markets” by saying “we are firmly moving ahead with our scheduled events” that includes a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan and WWE Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — both on June 27 — made possible by their own commitment and their respective partners “even and despite a challenging environment.”
He then added that despite Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fun pulling their funding of the LIV Golf league, “our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that will not be the case with TKO. Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering.”
He then added that after June 27, they expect the remaining six WWE, UFC and Zuffa Boxing events will take place in the Middle East as planned.
“The demand is real, our partners are committed, and we are leaning in,” he said.
WWE president Nick Khan said in late-April that they will only return to Saudi Arabia “if it’s safe and if we’re allowed there.”
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.