UFC make decision on cancelling Middle East events after Saudi Arabia-Houthis conflict

UFC president Dana White has issued an update on whether upcoming events in the Middle East will be cancelled following Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia’s main airport, King Khalid.

At least 14 people and hundreds more were injured on October 10 when Houthi strikes hit the airport in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.

Several governments, including the UK and US, have since issued updated travel advice to citizens planning to travel to the Gulf state.

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Governments issue updated travel advice after Saudi Arabia attacks

The UK Foreign Office has warned against all but essential travel to most of the nation, while British nationals currently in Saudi Arabia have been advised to travel by land to neighbouring countries before boarding flights home.

The US Embassy in the United Arab Emirates also issued the following update:

“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment,” the alert said.

“Americans travelling to or from the Middle East should monitor information about airport and airline operations and develop contingency plans in advance.

“Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions.”

King Khalid Airport only reopened on Saturday (October 17).

Dana White speaks out on Middle East events

Despite the obvious concerns and fears for safety in the region, with sporting events such as the Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition already postponed as a result of the attacks, UFC president White appeared to suggest the MMA promotion will continue to hold events in the region, with three events scheduled between October 24 and December 5.

When pressed on the topic after UFC Edmonton over the weekend, White said: “I go to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday; I have like six events in the next 30 days in Saudi, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.”

UFC 333 is scheduled for October 24 in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with Alexander Volkanovski defending his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev.

Jiri Prochazka then headlines against Navajo Stirling in Doha, Qatar, on November 21, before a further Fight Night event will be held in Saudi Arabia on December 5.

Conflicting reports have suggested the December event may still be moved to Qatar, although this has not been commented on or confirmed by the UFC or White.

Israel Adesanya is mooted to face Shara Magomedov in the main event.

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