The conflict in the middle east is spiraling out of control. Regardless, Turki Alalshikh confirmed on social media that the October 31st fight in Saudi Arabia between Canelo Alvarez and Christian Mbilli will go forward.
The concern in Saudi Arabia is real. A missile attack on the Saudi Arabia airport in Riyadh killed 13 people and injured more than 300.
Despite the attack, Turki Alalshikh posted on X that “Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens.”
Canelo reached out and told me he’ll still fight in Riyadh this October, no matter what happens. He fears nothing. My country is home to the two Holy Mosques, land of peace, safety, rich civilization, deep history, and kind-hearted people. Thank you to everyone who checked in and showed support. Hard times reveal true friends.🙏🏻❤️🥊
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) October 11, 2026
The event, which is being promoted as “Mexico vs The World” is scheduled as one of the opening events to the Riyadh Season 2026, an annual collection of entertainment, culture and sporting events organized by the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority.
Payout Perspective:
The fight at the end of the month will be the first event in the country since the United States decided to attack Iran in February of this year. Notably, TKO has scheduled WWE for its semi-annual Crown Jewel event on November 7th. Although not much has been made public, one has to speculate if that event will take place. Also, the biggest event of the year, Wrestlemania, heading to Saudi Arabia this spring. However a location and date of the event have not been announced causing speculation it may move the event.
In my opinion, it all comes down to money and how much people are willing to risk for it. Its clear the region is unstable at this point and the athletes (and fans) are at an unnecessary risk at this point. I am not saying that they should never do events in Saudi Arabia, but this does not seem like a safe time.
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