Probably fine! ‘Casualties’ force U.S. Embassy to evacuate Saudi Arabia just days before Canelo fight

Jesse Holland is among the longest-tenured media professionals in the combat sports news space, covering MMA, professional wrestling and boxing on a full-time basis since early 2004.

If you’re traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian M’Bili fight, you might want to check with your airline to make sure it hasn’t been blown up.

That’s because the U.S. Embassy recently issued a critical security alert, advising all non-emergency personnel to evacuate the area following “hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.”

“Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”

“U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia. We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport.“

UFC is expected to make its return to Saudi Arabia in December and CEO Dana White scoffed at the idea of rescheduling the event, despite the clear and present danger to … well, just about everyone. As far as the Canelo fight, the show remains on the books for Sat. night (Oct. 31) at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.