Las Vegas has always been known as the fight capital of the world, but it seems like the Gulf states are ready to steal the spotlight. With their endless resources and ambition, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are positioning themselves as formidable contenders to Las Vegas’ coveted title.
Just last week, the UFC hosted a premium live event in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. This was the 19th event held in the region since 2010, showcasing the growing popularity of combat sports in the Gulf states. The UFC even extended its partnership with Abu Dhabi through 2028, highlighting the strong collaboration between the Las Vegas-based organization and the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi.
But the UFC is just one aspect of the Gulf states’ combat sports strategy. Abu Dhabi, in particular, has become a global hub for submission grappling. The country has embraced Brazilian jiu-jitsu as its national sport, incorporating it into school curriculums and even military and police forces. Abu Dhabi is also home to prestigious jiu-jitsu tournaments, including the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship.
This investment in combat sports is no accident. Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed al Nahyan, the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, has played a pivotal role in popularizing combat sports in the UAE. He founded the ADCC and other combat sports federations, demonstrating the country’s commitment to using sports as a means of influence.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE’s regional rival, is also making waves in the fight sports world. The kingdom has hosted major boxing events, including the heavyweight championship fight between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk. This weekend, Saudi Arabia is launching its winter festival, Riyadh Season, with a crossover fight between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou. The kingdom has also secured the hosting rights for the highly anticipated heavyweight title unification showdown between Fury and Usyk in 2024.
In addition to boxing, Saudi Arabia has made a significant investment in MMA. The kingdom purchased a minority stake in the US-based Professional Fighters League (PFL) and will establish a regional tournament headquartered in Saudi Arabia. The first-ever UFC event in Saudi Arabia is also set to take place in 2024.
While the Gulf states rise in prominence, Las Vegas is not backing down. The city has rebranded itself as a global sports hub, attracting leading sports events and franchises. The arrival of the NFL’s Raiders, the success of the NHL’s Golden Knights and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, and the upcoming Formula 1 race on the Strip all contribute to Las Vegas’ appeal as a prime destination for sports.
Furthermore, the legalization of sports betting in the United States has opened up new opportunities for Las Vegas. Major sports leagues are partnering with sports book operators, and professional franchises are establishing a permanent presence in Sin City.
As the Gulf states and Las Vegas compete for the title of the ultimate fight destination, it’s clear that both are making strategic moves to solidify their positions. While the Gulf states focus on combat sports, Las Vegas is expanding its reach to encompass a broader range of global sports and entertainment brands. The fight for dominance is on, and only time will tell who will come out on top.