Did Saudi Arabia Just Buy Ngannou vs. Wilder? Fans Smell Something Suspicious

The world of boxing and combat sports has seen its fair share of surprising matchups and behind-the-scenes negotiations, but the potential fight between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder has left fans wondering: Did Saudi Arabia just buy this fight?

With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia increasingly investing in combat sports, some are questioning whether this matchup is being orchestrated for business interests rather than pure sporting merit. Is this a genuine showdown between two knockout artists, or is there something deeper going on behind

Let’s break it all down.

The Origins of the Ngannou vs. Wilder Speculation

The idea of a Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder fight has been floating around for over a year, with both fighters openly discussing their interest in making it happen.

• Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, made a shocking move to boxing in 2023, where he immediately made headlines by giving Tyson Fury one of the toughest fights of his career.

• Deontay Wilder, known for his devastating power and former WBC heavyweight reign, has been searching for a major comeback fight after suffering losses to Fury.

Given their reputation as two of the hardest punchers in combat sports history, a fight between them would be a dream for fans—but the sudden Saudi Arabia involvement is raising eyebrows.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence in Combat Sports

Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in combat sports, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into boxing, MMA, and high-profile events.

Recent Saudi-Backed Mega Fights

1. Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou (2023) – Ngannou’s boxing debut took place in Saudi Arabia, an event that shocked the world.

2. Anthony Joshua vs. Otto Wallin & Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker (2023) – These fights took place on the same Saudi-backed card, raising speculation about the country’s influence in shaping boxing matchups.

3. Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk (2024) – The biggest heavyweight championship fight in recent history was also secured by Saudi Arabia, proving its dominance in the sport’s business side.

Given this track record, it’s no surprise that fans are now questioning whether Ngannou vs. Wilder is happening because of genuine interest—or because Saudi Arabia wants it to happen.

Why Fans Think the Fight is a ‘Business Move’

Many boxing and MMA fans have pointed out suspicious elements surrounding the rumored Ngannou vs. Wilder fight.

1. Neither Fighter Was Initially Focused on Each Other

• Before this fight was discussed, Ngannou’s primary focus was a rematch with Tyson Fury or a potential bout against Anthony Joshua.

• Wilder, on the other hand, was aiming for a showdown with Joshua—a fight that has been in the making for years.

Yet suddenly, both fighters shifted their attention toward each other, coincidentally after Saudi Arabia got involved.

2. Saudi Arabia’s Financial Power Can Create Fights That Wouldn’t Happen Otherwise

• Saudi Arabia has proven it is willing to pay enormous sums to make dream fights happen—even if the fighters themselves were not actively pursuing them.

• The Joshua vs. Wilder fight was rumored to be in the works, but after Wilder’s shocking loss to Joseph Parker, that fight lost appeal.

• Ngannou vs. Wilder now emerges as an alternative—but was it a natural development, or was Saudi Arabia looking for a Plan B to keep both fighters in the mix?

3. Saudi Arabia’s History of ‘Buying’ Sports Events

Saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports is not just about boxing. The country has also:

• Purchased major soccer players for its national league, offering massive salaries to stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

• Played a major role in golf’s controversial LIV Golf League, using huge financial incentives to lure top players.

• Secured exclusive events for WWE and UFC, further proving its dominance in the global sports business.

Given this pattern, some fans believe that Ngannou vs. Wilder is happening more because Saudi Arabia wants it—rather than because of genuine demand from the fighters or boxing world.

What Does This Mean for Combat Sports?

If Saudi Arabia is indeed pulling the strings behind this fight, it raises some interesting questions about the future of boxing and MMA crossovers.

1. Is This a Sign That Money Now Controls Everything?

• Boxing has always been about business and big money, but traditionally, fights were made based on rankings, rivalries, and competitive merit.

• Now, with Saudi Arabia involved, fights are being made purely based on financial appeal.

Some purists argue this damages the sport, while others believe it’s simply the next evolution of the combat sports business.

2. Will Saudi Arabia Continue to Shape Boxing’s Future?

• If Saudi Arabia is backing Ngannou vs. Wilder, then what’s next?

• Will they dictate future championship fights rather than letting fighters and promoters negotiate naturally?

• Could we see more crossover fights being created simply because they are financially lucrative?

These are all questions that could define boxing’s future over the next decade.

The Fighters’ Perspective: Are They Just Taking the Payday?

Francis Ngannou: A Smart Career Move?

• Ngannou has already proven himself against Tyson Fury, even though he lost the fight.

• A fight with Deontay Wilder would guarantee another massive payday, and if he wins, it cements his legitimacy in boxing.

• If Saudi Arabia is offering tens of millions of dollars, it’s hard to see Ngannou turning that down.

Deontay Wilder: A Desperate Comeback?

• After losing to Joseph Parker, Wilder’s stock has dropped significantly.

• A fight with Ngannou is a huge opportunity for redemption, and it also guarantees him a major paycheck.

• Wilder may have no better options—Joshua might not fight him anymore, and other opponents wouldn’t bring in the same money.

For both fighters, this is a lucrative and strategic decision, regardless of whether Saudi Arabia is controlling the narrative.

Final Verdict: Is This Fight Legit or Manufactured?

At the end of the day, Ngannou vs. Wilder is still an exciting matchup. No matter how it came to be, the idea of two knockout machines clashing in the ring is something combat sports fans can’t ignore.

However, the biggest concern is whether boxing’s future is now dictated by money rather than competitive merit. If Saudi Arabia is the main force behind fights like this, will we start seeing more random matchups just because they’re financially lucrative?

One thing is certain—if Saudi Arabia did buy this fight, it’s not the last time they’ll do it.

Will this be a good thing or a bad thing for the sport? Only time will tell.

What do you think? Did Saudi Arabia just buy Ngannou vs. Wilder, or is this a natural fight that was always bound to happen?