Dana White expressed satisfaction with the UFC’s ability to arrange substitute bouts for two significant events this month, attributing Conor McGregor’s absence due to injury as part of the combat sport’s unpredictable nature. He also hinted at the potential involvement with an emerging Saudi boxing league.
The UFC, a subsidiary of the TKO Group Holdings, saw a 2.1% decline in its stock during a turbulent week that included postponing the comeback of its major draw, McGregor, and adjusting the headliner for an upcoming event in Saudi Arabia. The much-anticipated UFC 303, marking McGregor’s comeback after a hiatus, was disrupted, as was UFC’s inaugural event in the Kingdom, which was to highlight Khamzat Chimaev before he fell ill.
Concerns about McGregor’s participation surfaced when a press event in Ireland featuring him, Michael Chandler, and White was called off. The UFC announced Alex Pereira versus Jiri Prochazka as the new main event shortly thereafter.
Clad in a Boston Celtics jersey, the Boston-born White acknowledged the hectic nature of the past two weeks, including finding a suitable replacement for the Saudi main event on short notice. He praised the selection of Ikram Aliskerov, who has an impressive record and was readily accepted by Robert Whittaker as an opponent.
White, addressing the setback with McGregor’s bout, stated that such occurrences are typical in the fighting business and declined to comment further until McGregor recovers.
In other developments, White mentioned that Thrill One Sports & Entertainment is set to announce a collaboration with NASCAR Holdings at the Chicago Street Race. This partnership is expected to introduce an electric racing class and leverage synergies to rejuvenate NASCAR’s brand, particularly among younger audiences and on social media platforms.
Reports have also surfaced about Turki Alalshikh’s efforts to establish a new boxing league in Saudi Arabia. UFC and TKO have existing agreements to bring events to Saudi Arabia, and White’s association with Alalshikh suggests possible collaboration. White commented on the prospective boxing league and Alalshikh’s influence, noting the potential for groundbreaking match-ups under his leadership.
Lastly, White touched on his relationship with Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who uses UFC footage to teach players composure. With plans to invite Mazzulla to a UFC event, White highlighted their strong connection.