Can you spot what’s missing from the UFC’s latest event in Saudi Arabia? Why one of the Octagon’s biggest attractions was DROPPED for latest promotion

The UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia was a huge success and featured some entertaining fights, but was also notable for cutting a beloved part of the famed promotion.

It was a thrilling evening of action at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, with Australian Robert Whittaker needing less than two minutes to see off unbeaten opponent Ikram Aliskerov in the main event.

However, some eagle-eyed fans noticed that there were no Octagon Girls – and no female fighters – at the historic event.

The break from tradition was driven by respect for local Saudi customs and is a big step for the UFC, which has resisted protests in the past over its sometimes controversial use of card girls.

In mixed martial arts, such as boxing, bikini-clad women often walk around the cage holding up signs indicating which round is on (photo, UFC Octagon Girls)

In 2019, Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp said the “sexist and backwards” tradition of card girls was “outdated”.

UFC president Dana White slammed the “ridiculous calls” from Australian politicians and claimed the girls are an integral part of the show.

“Our Octagon girls are as much a part of the UFC brand as anyone, they are ambassadors for our sport,” the UFC boss said.

He emphasized that the UFC treats women better than any other sport.

“I suggest that these people who are calling for a ban should take a look at what these girls are doing with the business and the kind of money they are making,” he said.

“Do that and you’ll realize that these girls are just as important to our brand as anyone else in the company. And that’s exactly the way we treat them.’

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov sparked controversy in 2021 when he labeled ring girls as “the most useless people in combat sports,” prompting backlash from the likes of Conor McGregor and noted Octagon girl Arianny Celeste.

He said, ‘What is their function? I think they are the most useless people in martial arts. Which function? How? What are they doing? Please tell me.’

Some eagle-eyed fans noticed Octagon girls’ absence from last weekend’s event and weigh-ins at the first UFC tournament in Saudi Arabia (pictured)

Dana White (right) and Saudi General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh (center) were pleased with the event

At a post-fight press conference on Sunday, White said the Saudi event was a great success.

“Yeah, it was great,” White said.

“Obviously this is our first time in the kingdom and my first time here. It was a great experience. We’re looking forward to the next one.’

The Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Turki Al-Sheikh, was also impressed by the tournament and said he is interested in showcasing female MMA fighters at the next event in the country.