‘Dana White, It’s Your Turn’: Fans React to Turki Alalshikh’s Surprise Move
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UFC President Dana White has been working with Turki Alalshikh since announcing a new boxing promotion partnership earlier this year.
The partnership has got off to a flying start, and White has been heavily involved in the build-up to the highly anticipated showdown between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez.
Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has been praised for revitalizing boxing recently, and his latest announcement has thrilled fans. However, White has been criticized by UFC fans and media on many occasions, particularly for his decision-making.
Now, Alalshikh’s latest move has put the UFC boss under a new wave of pressure from fans.
Alalshikh Scraps PPV Pricing
Pay-per-view pricing across combat sports has been highlighted as an issue for many years. But Alalshikh has taken the first step in scrapping what he believes has “damaged” boxing in particular.
The promoter took to X to announce that as of November this year, all Riyadh Season and The Ring events will be free to DAZN subscribers:
In an interview with Ring Magazine, the billionaire businessman further explained his motivation behind the game-changing move, saying: “I think PPV is dying…in 30 days on DAZN PPV, you will have three events, this I think is not healthy for boxing.
“If you are a normal customer, paying for DAZN $20-$30 a month, it’s $200-$300 a year maximum, but if you put extra money on top, it will cost the customer a lot.”
The news has been met with widespread praise from boxing fans. Now, attention is turning to Dana White, with many hoping he’ll follow suit.
MMA World Piles Pressure on Dana White
Fans have taken to social media, demanding a change in what could be the final straw for many fans if UFC officials don’t act fast:
- “@danawhite, pay attention.” – @SlipsterOG
- “Dana White… It’s your turn.” – @phillynextdoor
- “This is great, hopefully the UFC will move to something similar one day.” – @austinlovesmma
| UFC years with ESPN | PPV Price |
| 2019 | $59.99 |
| 2021 | $69.99 |
| 2025 | $79.99 |
Since 2019, PPV prices have seen a steady increase. Subsequently, this has resulted in fans illegally streaming fights to avoid paying steep prices. It’s not the first time White has been slammed for financial ethics.
The UFC’s broadcast deal with ESPN is set to expire at the end of 2025. White has already confirmed that initial talks with Netflix and Amazon began earlier this year over a potential streaming collaboration.
White has previously suggested that he is open to moving away from the PPV model. Alalshikh’s move may be the final push the UFC boss needs to finally make a change.
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