The MMA fandom isn’t pleased with the UFC and CEO Dana White’s latest decision regarding UFC 306! Originally slated to be a typical pay-per-view with title fights, the event will now be rebranded as “Riyadh Season Noche UFC.” Scheduled for September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, “Riyadh Season Noche UFC” will be the first sports event held at the spectacular and cutting edge new venue.
The event aims to continue the tradition of significant fights coinciding with Mexican Independence Day as last year, the first ever ‘Noche UFC’ event featured Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko’s rematch for the women’s flyweight title. But with the change in branding, the event will now mark the first time ever a live UFC event will be featuring a title partner.
UFC 306 will be rebranded to “Riyadh Season Noche UFC” and take place on September 14 at Sphere in Las Vegas, UFC announced on Wednesday.
“Riyadh Season Noche UFC” continues the tradition of big fights on Mexican Independence Day and will be the first sports event at Sphere. pic.twitter.com/9Oty7e6Z2W
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 27, 2024
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The ‘Riyadh Season’ sponsorship for this event also involves a fixed watermark display on the live broadcast along with several high-visibility logo placements inside the cage during the fights. The deal has also been reported to involve marketing and other promotional material, as well. UFC boss Dana White had stated in a recent appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay’ show, “Anybody who comes in after me at The Sphere is f*****. F*****. One and done. It will be the greatest live sporting event anyone has ever seen.”
However, the new name and concept have left many fans bewildered with many struggling to understand the connection between a Saudi-sponsored event and Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say!
Dana White’s decision to change UFC 306 doesn’t land with the MMA fandom
The change in the ‘branding’ has prompted fans to inquire if the event will still be a PPV event with title fights or if there will be a change in the fight card structure as well.
So it’s not gonna be UFC 306 PPV with title fights? Weird.
— Joel Hemingway 🇺🇸🍊 (@JoelTHemingway) June 27, 2024
Speculation is also rife about potential matchups, with many hoping for a marquee fight like Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler being re-scheduled for this date after their UFC 303 matchup fell through due to the Irishman’s injury
So Chandler and McGregor are gonna headline the new 306 date
— Justin Credible (@CactusShaq) June 27, 2024
Some fans even indicated that the new name for the event doesn’t have that unexplainable draw that makes UFC events a must-see for the fandom
Thats odd 🤷♂️. Doesn’t have that “thing”
— Donald Exotic (@GitterMma) June 27, 2024
The new name, ‘Riyadh Season’ has also become a point of contention for some fans who indicated their confusion with the relationship between the UFC and ‘Riyadh Season’
What the hell is Riyadh Season?
— Mike Arnold (@MikeJam91777097) June 27, 2024
While other fans brought up their issues with a card set-up to honor Mexican independence day that is now being sponsored by Saudi Arabia and with no Mexican fighters currently linked to a headlining spot at the event
Saudi sponsored Mexican card most likely headlined by non Mexicans
— NOTYAAVERAGESPORTSFANATIC (@4Q2MF) June 27, 2024
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Fans also questioned the UFC boss’s recent statements in light of the sponsorship deal as they claimed that White had stated that he has personally invested his own funds into this event
Dana “I’ve put my own money into this” white
— Dougies Corner (@dougiescorneryt) June 27, 2024
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In summary, the rebranding of UFC 306 to “Riyadh Season Noche UFC” has sparked a wave of confusion and controversy. Fans are left wondering about the fight card, the relevance of the new name, and the motivations behind this change. There is also skepticism about the motivations behind this change with some fans speculating that the rebranding is a financial move, possibly influenced by Saudi sponsorship, reflecting the broader suspicion amongst the fandom that the rebranding is driven by monetary interests rather than a genuine effort to celebrate Mexican culture. What are your thoughts on the changes to UFC 306 and it’s ‘rebranding’ by the UFC and Dana White? Let us know in the comments below!
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