The MMA world has been shaken to its core by an unexpected twist involving two of the sport’s biggest names—Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Adding to the drama is the involvement of Turki Alalshikh, the enigmatic chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who has just made a revelation that could send shockwaves through the UFC and potentially redefine the sport’s future.

Could this spell the ultimate nightmare for Dana White and the UFC’s grip on the MMA empire? Let’s dive into this seismic development that has fight fans buzzing and speculation running wild

The Saudi Connection: Alalshikh’s Bold Move

Turki Alalshikh has been no stranger to the world of combat sports, but his latest move may be his boldest yet. Known for his lavish spending and ambition to make Saudi Arabia a hub for global entertainment, Alalshikh has reportedly set his sights on bringing Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones together for a megafight—outside of the UFC’s control.

Rumors suggest that Alalshikh is offering an astronomical sum to both fighters to headline a standalone event in Riyadh. The reported purse? A jaw-dropping $100 million, making it one of the richest paydays in combat sports history. For comparison, UFC fighters—despite their star status—rarely see such massive payouts.

What makes this revelation even more intriguing is Ngannou’s current position as a free agent. After parting ways with the UFC, Ngannou has been exploring opportunities in boxing and other MMA promotions. Jon Jones, on the other hand, remains under contract with the UFC, making this proposal a potential legal and logistical nightmare for Dana White.

Francis Ngannou: The Catalyst for Chaos

Ngannou’s departure from the UFC was already a massive blow to the promotion. Dubbed “The Predator,” Ngannou’s terrifying knockout power and rags-to-riches story made him one of the UFC’s biggest stars. But his decision to walk away was rooted in something deeper—a quest for independence, respect, and the kind of paychecks that fighters like Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury enjoy in boxing.

Ngannou’s departure wasn’t just a loss of talent; it was a statement. And now, with Alalshikh’s backing, Ngannou could become the symbol of a new era in combat sports—one where fighters dictate the terms, not promotions.

For Dana White, this scenario represents the worst-case outcome of Ngannou’s exit. If Saudi Arabia succeeds in pulling off a fight of this magnitude, it could embolden other fighters to follow suit, seeking greener pastures and more lucrative deals outside the UFC. The ripple effects could be catastrophic for the promotion, which has long relied on its dominance as the premier MMA organization.

Jon Jones: The Key to the Puzzle

While Ngannou’s involvement in this potential megafight seems plausible, the real question is whether Jon Jones, the self-proclaimed GOAT of MMA, would entertain such an idea. Jones has spent his entire career under the UFC banner, and his relationship with Dana White, though tumultuous at times, has been mutually beneficial.

However, money talks—and $50 million or more is a number that even a fighter of Jones’s stature might find hard to ignore. Moreover, the opportunity to finally face Ngannou, a fight fans have been clamoring for, could add to the appeal.

But there’s a major hurdle: Jones is under contract with the UFC, and Dana White has made it clear in the past that he will fight tooth and nail to protect the promotion’s interests. The UFC’s exclusivity contracts are notoriously strict, and any attempt by Jones to compete outside the organization could lead to a messy legal battle.

Yet, Alalshikh’s involvement raises an interesting question—could the Saudi government’s immense financial resources and influence provide a way around these barriers? Could we see an unprecedented collaboration between the UFC and Saudi Arabia to make this fight happen, or will it devolve into an all-out war over control of MMA’s future?

Dana White’s Dilemma

For Dana White, this situation is the stuff of nightmares. Not only does it threaten the UFC’s monopoly on the sport’s biggest fights, but it also exposes cracks in the promotion’s business model. Fighters are beginning to realize their worth, and external entities like Saudi Arabia are willing to pay what the UFC won’t.

Alalshikh’s revelation forces White into a difficult position: Does he dig in his heels and risk losing Jones or other stars to a new wave of independent promotions, or does he adapt to the changing landscape and find a way to coexist with these emerging powers?

One thing is certain—if the Ngannou-Jones fight happens in Saudi Arabia, it could mark the beginning of a seismic shift in the combat sports world. The balance of power is tilting, and Dana White must decide whether to fight the tide or ride the wave.

Conclusion: A Fight for the Future of MMA

The potential Ngannou-Jones clash, orchestrated by Turki Alalshikh, is more than just a fight—it’s a statement about the future of MMA. It’s a battle for control, freedom, and the fighters’ right to earn what they’re truly worth.

For fans, this development is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Could we finally see the dream fight we’ve all been waiting for, or will the UFC shut it down before it ever gets off the ground?

One thing is clear: The world of MMA will never be the same after this. Whether Dana White’s worst fear is fully realized remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—Alalshikh’s revelation has changed the game.

Keep watching this space as this story unfolds. The next chapter in MMA’s evolution might be closer than we think.