Are the Gulf states overtaking Las Vegas as the world’s fight capital?

Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou pose for a photo alongside promoter Bob Arum, World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman, General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Al-Sheikh and promoter Frank Warren. Photograph: Ahmed Yosri/Reuters

The glittering neon lights of Las Vegas have long symbolized the epicenter of fight sports.

It is the place where an aging Muhammad Ali lost his splendor, where Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear (twice), and where Floyd Mayweather showcased his decade of dominance. It is also the place where Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters like Conor McGregor became household names.