Tag: Turki Alalshikh

Streameast Taunts Dana White Over Anti-Piracy Remarks: “Come and Get It”

Streameast Taunts Dana White Over Anti-Piracy Remarks: “Come and Get It”Dana White vs. illegal streaming sites is proving to be one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history. On…

Streameast Taunts Dana White Over Anti-Piracy Remarks: “Come and Get It”

Dana White vs. illegal streaming sites is proving to be one of the greatest rivalries in UFC history.

On September 14, the UFC will deliver one of the biggest cards of the year inside Sphere in Las Vegas. The unique setting has proven to be a real challenge for the UFC’s production team, but White has continuously promised that the event will be unlike any combat sports event before it. White also revealed that the budget for UFC 306 — also known as Riyadh Season Noche UFC — has exceeded $20 million making it the most expensive event in promotional history.

Dana White on UFC 306

Ahead of the highly anticipated pay-per-view event, White spent a portion of his Tuesday night press conference to further threaten illegal streaming sites and those who pirate UFC events instead of forking over their hard-earned cash to partake in the festivities legally.

“Trust me, we know exactly how to combat piracy,” White said. “I will tell you extensively what we do, every event, but we go after piracy hard, and you saw a few years ago, we started prosecuting people. “That’s how you combat piracy. Start f*cking prosecuting people for stealing.”

White’s comments got the attention of one of the internet’s most popular illegal streaming sites, Streameast, who basically dared the UFC CEO to come after them.

“Come and get it then Dana,” Streameast wrote in response to White’s comments.

Responding to another user’s comment about the promotion’s supposed prosecution of illegal streamers, Streameast suggested that White is telling tall tales in a hopeless attempt to deter people from watching PPV events through alternative sources.

Dana White on UFC 306

“He’s desperate,” Streameast added. “Making up lies and praying it scares away a few hundred people from clicking the link.”

The site was far from done going in on White, bringing the ongoing debate over fighter pay into the conversation.

Dana White on UFC 306

“There’s a difference between free and affordable,” the platform wrote. “Make Dana White’s net worth being over a half billion yet his employees have to pay for medical out of their own pockets make sense.”

Dana White on UFC 306

“It’s time for him to pay the fans back and fighters more,” Streameast continued.

Dana White’s Anti-Piracy Comments Come on the heels of Turki Alalshikh’s call for the return of $20 PPV events

White’s comments about combating illegal streaming came shortly after Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, revealed plans to reduce pay-per-view prices for boxing events down to $15-20 in hopes of growing the sport and encouraging fans to purchase the events rather than pirating the cards.

“I dream of a PPV with a good price to make the fans happy and subscribe and get them to watch it legally,” Alalshikh told talkSPORT. “Usually when I see a high PPV [price], a lot of people go and watch the fight illegally, and this is not healthy for boxing and the platform.”

“What I will try to push is to have our Riyadh Season shows at less than £20 in England and less than $20 around the world. I would prefer to have one million fans subscribe and buy the PPV for $20 than less than 500,000.”

Over the last two decades, PPV prices have skyrocketed across the board with UFC events costing $79.99 a pop on top of requiring an ESPN+ subscription to order which will set you back another $10.99 per month. As for boxing, the upcoming clash between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga will cost you a whopping $89.99 + tax.

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Alalshikh hopes to bring an end to the era where fight fans are forced to fork over almost $100 just to watch an event that, in all honesty, rarely lives up to the hype.

“The people go around it illegally because the price is high,” Alalshikh added. “In the future, this will not build boxing. If I give the fans good fights at a good price, then I will increase the fanbase.”

Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life. For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, […]

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life.

For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, who declared his intent to move up a weight class in 2020. However, a bitter contract dispute with UFC CEO Dana White led to “The Predator” entirely parting ways with the organization. Ngannou later inked a multi-fight deal with the PFL, which included the freedom to explore his passion for boxing.

White has repeatedly asserted that it was Ngannou who blocked the eagerly awaited matchup, while the former heavyweight champion countered by saying that it was “Bones” who was reluctant to fight him as he tried to negotiate a new contract to remain with the UFC. In the end, any negotiations that were in place fell through.

However, now with Saudi Arabia owning a modest share in the PFL, Alalshikh seemingly has the sway to potentially orchestrate this long-dreamed-of clash. Even White, who has traditionally opposed cross-promotion, was questioned about the possibility during the UFC 303 post-fight press conference in June, and surprisingly, he didn’t dismiss the notion outright.

“The Natural” thinks the UFC would never gamble with their reigning champion by jeopardizing a loss to someone like Ngannou, whose stock continues to soar. However, he believes the Ngannou vs. Jones clash could become a reality if authorities higher than White step in to make it happen…

Couture Sees TKO CEO & Alalshikh As Key To Ngannou vs. Jones Fight

During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Couture shared his thoughts on the likelihood of a Ngannou vs. Jones showdown ever materializing. The former two-division champion expressed his doubt, stating that it’s highly improbable the UFC would ever agree to a cross-promotion bout.

“I don’t see the champ in the UFC ever getting a shot at fighting the champ from PFL or any other organization for that matter, and that’s unfortunate,” Couture said. “That’s a shame that the fans are never going to get to see those types of matchups. That’s one of the flaws and issues in our sport right now.”

However, “The Natural” added that a bout of such magnitude could only come to fruition with the involvement of UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, under the leadership of CEO Ari Emanuel, along with the influence of Alalshikh.

“At the end of the day, I think Ari [Emanuel] is the one calling the shots. He’s the one who bought the company from Zuffa. It’s his business. He has shareholders and people he has to answer to, and he needs to do what’s best for the bottom line for that company, which includes WWE and UFC and everything that’s going on there.”

“Certainly, what the Saudis are holding and what they’re doing with LIV Golf, and all the other things that they’re doing to build culture and create opportunity for their citizens and their athletes in their country, that [fight] could very well happen because that kind of money can make a lot of things happen.”

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life. For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, […]

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life.

For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, who declared his intent to move up a weight class in 2020. However, a bitter contract dispute with UFC CEO Dana White led to “The Predator” entirely parting ways with the organization. Ngannou later inked a multi-fight deal with the PFL, which included the freedom to explore his passion for boxing.

White has repeatedly asserted that it was Ngannou who blocked the eagerly awaited matchup, while the former heavyweight champion countered by saying that it was “Bones” who was reluctant to fight him as he tried to negotiate a new contract to remain with the UFC. In the end, any negotiations that were in place fell through.

However, now with Saudi Arabia owning a modest share in the PFL, Alalshikh seemingly has the sway to potentially orchestrate this long-dreamed-of clash. Even White, who has traditionally opposed cross-promotion, was questioned about the possibility during the UFC 303 post-fight press conference in June, and surprisingly, he didn’t dismiss the notion outright.

“The Natural” thinks the UFC would never gamble with their reigning champion by jeopardizing a loss to someone like Ngannou, whose stock continues to soar. However, he believes the Ngannou vs. Jones clash could become a reality if authorities higher than White step in to make it happen…

Couture Sees TKO CEO & Alalshikh As Key To Ngannou vs. Jones Fight

During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Couture shared his thoughts on the likelihood of a Ngannou vs. Jones showdown ever materializing. The former two-division champion expressed his doubt, stating that it’s highly improbable the UFC would ever agree to a cross-promotion bout.

“I don’t see the champ in the UFC ever getting a shot at fighting the champ from PFL or any other organization for that matter, and that’s unfortunate,” Couture said. “That’s a shame that the fans are never going to get to see those types of matchups. That’s one of the flaws and issues in our sport right now.”

However, “The Natural” added that a bout of such magnitude could only come to fruition with the involvement of UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, under the leadership of CEO Ari Emanuel, along with the influence of Alalshikh.

“At the end of the day, I think Ari [Emanuel] is the one calling the shots. He’s the one who bought the company from Zuffa. It’s his business. He has shareholders and people he has to answer to, and he needs to do what’s best for the bottom line for that company, which includes WWE and UFC and everything that’s going on there.”

“Certainly, what the Saudis are holding and what they’re doing with LIV Golf, and all the other things that they’re doing to build culture and create opportunity for their citizens and their athletes in their country, that [fight] could very well happen because that kind of money can make a lot of things happen.”

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

Eddie Hearn explains spat with Turki Alalshikh regarding Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou fight

Eddie Hearn explains spat with Turki Alalshikh regarding Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou fightMatchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn has revealed why his infamous spat with Saudi adviser and budding boxing promoter, Turki…

Eddie Hearn explains spat with Turki Alalshikh regarding Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou fight

Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn has revealed why his infamous spat with Saudi adviser and budding boxing promoter, Turki Alalshikh blossomed – in direct response to last year’s infamous match between Tyson Fury, and former UFC star, Francis Ngannou.

Hearn, a high-profile promoter under the banner of Matchroom Boxing, claims his rivalry with Alalshikh stems from his rather unfavorable comments regarding the booking of a clash between former WBC heavyweight boxing champion, Fury, and former UFC heavyweight titleholder, Ngannou – which is slowly being squashed.

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Eddie Hearn reveals spat with Saudi promoter, Turki Alalshikh

“I did one of the most stupid things I’ve ever done, but unfortunately if you ask me questions,” Eddie Hearn said on Cigar Talk. “I’m pretty honest. I really didn’t speak favorably about (Tyson) Fury – (Francis) Ngannou. He (Turki Alalshikh) is putting on this event, and there’s this big promoter who used to work with these other guys, now he’s slagg8ing off Fury – Ngannou. Slowly, I’m coming down the order of ‘Flavor of the Month’ with him (Alalshikh).”

Fighting Morecambe native, Fury back in October of last year in Riyadh, former heavyweight mixed martial arts champion, Ngannou suffered a controversial split decision defeat to the former over the course of 10 rounds – even scoring a stunning knockdown against the British fighter en route to defeat.

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However, back in March, Ngannou took on Eddie Hearn’s posterboy, former two-time heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua in the Middle East – suffering a hellacious knockout defeat to the Watford star in his first knockout stoppage in professional combat sports.

Francis Ngannou: 'What's the Rules Again?' Looks Back on UFC Debut

Slated to make his return to mixed martial arts in October in Riyadh for his third round trip to the region, Cameroonian knockout ace, Ngannou is set to take on 2023 PFL heavyweight champion, Renan Ferreira in his first venture to the PFL SmartCage before the end of the annum. 

Turki Alalshikh blasts Canelo Alvarez for choosing ‘Easy fights’ in heated tirade: ‘He was wasting our time’

Turki Alalshikh Blasts Canelo Alvarez for Choosing ‘Easy Fights’ in Heated Tirade: "He was wasting our time"In his bid to build a super fight between Terence Crawford, as well as super middleweight gold holder, Canelo…

Turki Alalshikh Blasts Canelo Alvarez for Choosing ‘Easy Fights’ in Heated Tirade: "He was wasting our time"

In his bid to build a super fight between Terence Crawford, as well as super middleweight gold holder, Canelo Alvarez – Saudi adviser, Turki Alalshikh has hit out at the Mexican for apparently “wasting time” during negotiations as well as picking “easy fights” during his career.

Canelo Alvarez, the current super middleweight champion, returns to action next month in Las Vegas, taking on unbeaten New York challenger, Edgar Berlanga in the pair’s grudge fight – with the WBA, WBO, and WBC championships on the line.

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As for Crawford, the unbeaten striking sensation landed the WBA and interim WBO light middleweight crowns in Las Angeles over the course of the weekend, turning in his stunning forty-first professional win with a decision success over Israil Madrimov. 

Turki Alalshikh hits out at boxing star, Canelo Alvarez

And amid links to a potential super fight for gold in the future, Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford have hit a sticking point in negotiations according to recent reports this month – with the above-mentioned, Alalshikh hitting out at the Guadalajara puncher in particular.

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“I heard what Canelo said that he respects me but doesn’t like the way we do business,” Turki Alalshikh posted on his official X account. “As for him respecting me, it doesn’t matter to me if he does or not. As for the way I do business, I know why he doesn’t like it, because I only target big fights at fair prices, so of course anyone who likes big fights won’t like that.”

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“And I know how he feels after losing to Bivol, so he’s been looking for easier fights ever since,” Turki Alalshikh continued. “Also, I’m not the one who’s afraid of fighting Benavidez or Crawford. Therefore, I knew he was wasting our time and making excuses with big amounts of money that can’t be paid. So I’m continuing my way to make big fights that serve the boxing world, and he’s on his way to making eash show-only fights.”

Canelo Alvarez Mocks Turki Alalshikh’s Rant with a Laugh

Canelo Alvarez Mocks Turki Alalshikh's Rant with a LaughCanelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh’s relationship is off to a rough start. Hours after Terence Crawford defeated Israil Madrimov…

Canelo Alvarez Mocks Turki Alalshikh's Rant with a Laugh

Canelo Alvarez and Turki Alalshikh’s relationship is off to a rough start.

Hours after Terence Crawford defeated Israil Madrimov to become a four-weight world champion, Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, expressed an interest in booking a bout between Crawford and Alvarez, who is also a four-weight titleholder.

Canelo Alvarez

However, Alvarez quickly poured cold water on the idea, noting that his focus was squarely on a clash with Edgar Berlanga scheduled for September 14 in Las Vegas. ‘Canelito’ also made his thoughts on Alalshikh quite clear.

“My response to Turki is this: Yesterday they texted me, and they said, ‘We can talk about the fight in February with Crawford?’ They text me yesterday,” Alvarez told Fight Hub TV. “I said, ‘Look, I don’t want to talk about any other fight. I’m focused 100 percent on this fight.’ Look, I don’t like the way he talks. I’m not in this position because of anything. If he wants to work with me, it’s in my way, not in their way. I don’t need it.”

Since then, Alalshikh claims to have lost interest in working with Alvarez, instead opting to focus on some of this year’s big events, including a Wembley Stadium card headlined by Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois and an anticipated rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

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Still, that didn’t stop Alalshikh from snapping back at Alvarez, accusing the Guadalajara native of chasing easy fights in a lengthy post on social media.

“I heard what Canelo said, that he respects me but doesn’t like the way we do business,” Alalshikh wrote on X. “As for him respecting me, it doesn’t matter to me if he does or not. As for the way I do business, I know why he doesn’t like it, because I only target big fights at fair prices, so of course anyone who likes easy fights won’t like that. And I know how he feels after losing to Bivol, so he’s been looking for easier fights ever since. Also, I’m not the one who’s afraid of fighting Benavidez or Crawford.

“Therefore, I knew he was wasting our time and making excuses with big amounts of money that can’t be paid. So I’m continuing my way to make big fights that serve the boxing world, and he’s on his way to making easy show-only fights.”

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Canelo Alvarez reacts to Alalshikh’s latest online jab

Alvarez has since reacted to Alalshik’s latest dig online, utilizing only a pair of laughing emojis.

Canelo Alvarez is 61-2 overall with 39 of his victories coming by way of knockout. His only losses have come against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022. Since the loss to Bivol, ‘Canelito’ has won four straight, including unanimous decision W’s against Gennady Golovkin, John Ryder, Jermell Charlo, and Jaime Munguía.

Next, Alvarez will defend his WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles against Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena.

Canelo Alvarez