“He lit a fire on combat sports!” Israel Adesanya credits Saudi Royal advisor Turki Alalshikh for massive fights in Riyadh

Israel Adesanya praises His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for his role to promote combat sports in an untapped market like Saudi Arabia.

“He lit a fire on combat sports!” Israel Adesanya credits Saudi Royal advisor Turki Alalshikh for massive fights in Riyadh

Israel Adesanya praises Saudi royal adviser Turki Alalshikh (via Imago/ Al Bawaba)

The combat sports industry has seen a huge boom in recent years. This rise is evident from its inclusion in high-profile events internationally. Saudi Arabia is one of these places that have catered to the rise of combat sports. The recent boxing match between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury was highly publicized in Saudi Arabia. Israel Adesanya had some thoughts regarding the rise of combat sports. He was especially thankful to one particular individual, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.


Israel Adesanya recently appeared on Theo Von’s podcast. He is the former middleweight champion in UFC. Adesanya is originally from Nigeria and now lives in New Zealand. The episode focused on Adesanya’s life and career. Adesanya talked about the rise in the combat sports industry and thanked Turki Alalshikh for it. This is what he said:

It is good for the sport. I think it is good for boxing. Look what he’s done for boxing. Also, shout out to His Excellency Turki, the guy that organized all this. He has lit a fire in the combat sports world.
Israel Adesanya via This Past Weekend
YouTube video

Adesanya credited Saudi royal advisor Turki Alalshikh for the recent rise in combat sports in the Middle East. Alalshikh helped orchestrate bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia. Adesanya said Alalshikh was a big fan and advocate for the sport.

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The UFC will have its first card in Saudi Arabia this summer. Alalshikh would most likely oversee this event as well. The earlier card set to headline the event was scrapped. Dana White will soon announce the new card.

Israel Adesanya visited Saudi Arabia to watch the fight between Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury

Israel Adesanya recently traveled to Saudi Arabia to support his friend Francis Ngannou. He was invited by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh to Saudi Arabia. Ngannou competed in his debut boxing match against Tyson Fury. Adesanya went to the weigh-in to cheer on Ngannou ahead of the biggest fight of his career. Before leaving the promotion to pursue boxing, Ngannou previously held the UFC heavyweight title.

Israel Adesanya and Roberto Duran in Saudi Arabia
Israel Adesanya and Roberto Duran in Saudi Arabia (via X)

Ngannou faced undefeated heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a non-title bout in Riyadh. Adesanya and Ngannou built a friendship as African kings in the UFC. Adesanya was there to support his fellow African against the boxing legend Fury. Overall, the former middleweight champion enjoyed his stay in Saudi Arabia. He met with sporting legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Duran, and numerous others.

The exhibition bout between Fury and Ngannou took place on October 29 in Saudi Arabia. Adesanya also attended the Day of Reckoning boxing PPV featuring the likes of Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, and Dmitry Bivol. ‘The Last Stylebender’ praised the Saudi officials for putting on a great fight card.

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