Adames–Warburton targeted for Riyadh amid Saudi event disruption

Carlos Adames is reportedly set to face Wales’ Gerome Warburton in a non-title bout headlining a Zuffa Boxing show in Riyadh on November 14.

According to Dan Rafael, the WBC middleweight champion will make his promotional debut above the 160lb limit. The match-up has yet to be formally announced by Zuffa.

The proposed card forms part of plans for two Zuffa events in Saudi Arabia before the end of the year. Rafael previously reported that the promotion was targeting shows in November and December, while cautioning that those plans “obviously depends on status of the war & unrest in the region”.

Preparations come amid continuing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement and disruption to several major international events in the Saudi capital.

A missile strike on King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300, according to initial reports. The airport subsequently closed before reopening on October 18, although restrictions and airline suspensions have continued to affect international travel.

Further aerial threats were reported over the weekend. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted drones across several regions, including Riyadh, with residents receiving emergency alerts.

Other Riyadh events postponed

The disruption has already affected competitions scheduled on either side of the proposed boxing show.

The UCI and Saudi Cycling Federation announced that the Urban Cycling World Championships, scheduled for November 3–7 in Riyadh, would not proceed. Their statement cited regional developments and their impact on the event’s logistical organisation.

Golf Saudi and the Asian Tour have also postponed the PIF Saudi International, originally due to take place at Riyadh Golf Club from November 18–21. No replacement date was announced, with organisers citing organisational and logistical challenges.

The Six Kings Slam tennis exhibition has moved from October to December 27–30, while the FIFAe Finals in Jeddah have been postponed. On Monday, organisers also confirmed that Riyadh’s Future Investment Initiative conference would move from late October to 2027.

However, the “Mexico vs The World” boxing card remains scheduled for October 31 in Riyadh, headlined by Canelo Alvarez challenging Christian Mbilli for the WBC super-middleweight title. The event is due to take place two weeks before the proposed Adames–Warburton contest.

British government advice, current on October 20, advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia, with a stronger warning near the Yemeni border. The Foreign Office warns that further attacks against airports, along with disruption and cancellations, are very likely.

Dana White has nevertheless indicated that his wider regional schedule is continuing. Speaking after UFC Edmonton at the weekend, he said: “I have like six events in the next 30 days in Saudi, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.” Those comments did not specifically address arrangements for the two proposed Zuffa boxing shows.

WBC conditions attached to Adames return

The WBC last week approved Adames’s request to contest a non-title bout above middleweight before facing mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov.

Although the belt would not be at stake against Warburton, the WBC ruled that a defeat would leave its middleweight championship vacant. If Adames wins, he must face Nursultanov next, with the winner then required to meet interim champion Jesús Ramos Jr.

Adames, 25–1–1 with 18 knockouts, last fought on March 21, dropping Austin Williams in the second round before retaining his title by a wide unanimous decision in Orlando. That followed his disputed draw with Hamzah Sheeraz in February 2025.

Warburton, 18–2–2 with two knockouts, would enter the contest following consecutive unanimous-decision victories over former British champion Nathan Heaney. He won their first meeting in March before retaining his WBA Continental middleweight title in the September 26 rematch.

The Welshman has won three straight since Kieron Conway stopped him in four rounds in their British and Commonwealth title contest in May 2025. A November 14 meeting with Adames would represent a substantial step up in opposition, coming seven weeks after his latest victory.