Why is Saudi Arabia hosting some of the biggest boxing fights with stars like Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou and Anthony Joshua while also investing in the PFL? Why is the UFC going to start hosting cards in the country? When you take a bigger picture, why also are the UAE and Qatar trying to make big inroads into professional sports?
In this interview by Luke Thomas with investigating journalist Karim Zidan, the Egyptian-Canadian journalist explains that the Arabian peninsula – not just Saudi Arabia – is heavily investing in sports properties and, specifically, combat sports. Yes, big stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and even Leo Messi are already part of the broader sports imaging efforts. However, as Zidan explains, sportswashing is part of it, but not the sum total of the efforts. He also believes the future hub and home of combat sports in 10 years may no longer be Las Vegas, but Saudi Arabia.
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20 Comments
Fantastic conversation. Thank you.
Very interesting stuff , thanks Luke!
Dude got a message from the Prince lol and decided to propagandize
Despite all the economic crisis this is still a good time to start up an investment
This was absolutely fantastic, please, more content like this !
It's up to us, the consumers, to boycott but sadly we won't and that's how they'll get away with it.
Still like Ariel's gossip like journalism.😅😂✌️
This was great. Very interesting lads.
Karim's comment on the Saudis challenging the UFC with the PFL investment is interesting. Also, I'm surprised that the Saudi Sports minister accepted a UFC fight night and not a PPV event. If I have to guess, that's probably the best the UFC can do, given their relationship with Abu Dabi, and since the UFC is the premier promotion of mma in the US, they can use that as leverage.
With that all being said, wonder how much did Vince McMan has influenced this action? His new position as executive chairman of TKO's holding, the parent company of the UFC, and his previous relationship with the Saudis, will probably push them to do more events in Saudi Arabia.
Interesting to see how this plays out for the UFC, either they stick with Abu Dabi as their official middle eastern partner and risked competing with the Saudis' vast amount of resources, or slowly move towards Saudi Arabia and all the consequences that follows through from that decision.
Wow top notch journalism 👏👏 very good interview
مصري منتف ماعليه شرهه
Luke why don't you ever talk about Israeli aggression? If you wanna use your platform for awareness. That matter is the most imp one rn.
This was excellent, really apprecite this video. Its no suprise Luke and Karim vibe well discussing topics like this – would love to see another video like this again in the future.
What already millionaires do for extra millions with sketchy governments is pretty f'n atrocious. Fuck those guys.
Luke, drop Brian today.
This is your, new partner. Tell me this isn't way more fulfilling work, than break downs.
Thanks. You remain my fav. You have a soul.
Quite a fascinating discussion. Not just when it comes to sports, but the general rise of the Middle East will be something to behold in the next 10-20 years.
Saudi has also been buying up US media, Vice news, Variety, Sports Illustrated
This interview was awesome
18:50 BS . Aj styls in his podcast ( who was there ) he said nothing had happened. There was some late schedule on the The airport . All the remaining wwe crew did go to hotel and go back normally. Stop this bs please
Love his work on this subtopic!