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The worlds of MMA and boxing are poised for a seismic shift as reports suggest Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the UFC are close to announcing a groundbreaking professional boxing league. This exciting venture could be unveiled as soon as this month, marking a pivotal moment in combat sports history.
Dana White, the longtime CEO of the UFC, has never hidden his ambitions to venture into the boxing business. After co-promoting the historic Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor fight in 2017, White envisioned Zuffa Boxing—a dream that seemed dormant for years. Now, it appears that vision is nearing reality.
According to the New York Times, Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the UFC’s TKO Group Holdings are forming a strategic partnership to launch the league. The league would reportedly be owned by Sela, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, while the TKO Group would serve as a “managing partner.” This arrangement promises TKO a share of the league’s revenue and a significant equity stake, with Saudi Arabia footing the bill for operations.
Saudi Arabia has massive boxing ambitions, said an insider familiar with the negotiations. Led by Turki Alalshikh, the country has already hosted high-profile bouts under its Riyadh Season promotion, including Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou. The new league aims to build on this momentum, targeting young talent to create a fresh wave of professional boxing stars.
Dana White’s involvement suggests the UFC’s interest in breaking down barriers between MMA and boxing. With rumors circulating about potential crossover bouts, including Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul, the collaboration could pave the way for high-profile fights that capture global attention.
Neither the UFC nor the PIF has commented on the reports, but the prospect of a Saudi-backed boxing league managed by the UFC is already generating significant buzz. If finalized, this partnership could redefine the future of professional boxing and elevate its global profile.
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