Christian Mbilli vs. Canelo undercard announced despite attacks in Riyadh
The undercard for Christian Mbilli vs. Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez has finally been announced despite recent attacks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The paramilitary organization Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, claimed responsibility for an attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport that occured on Thursday. A witness told The Associated Press that multiple explosions had been heard throughout the Saudi Arabian capital that very day. Saudi civil defense authorities said that debris from a missile interception damaged a kindergarten and a medical complex, but have yet to comment on the latest attack to the airport.
The attacks on Thursday come just a day after two separate attacks on King Khalid International Airport and Abhā International Airport. Saudi officials said that three were killed and 28 injured as a result of those two attacks on airports in Riyadh and Abhā.
Travel advisories warn against going to Saudi Arabia
Soon after the attacks, statements were issued advising against travel near Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen.
“The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as of October 8 and reminds all U.S. citizens to exercise heightened vigilance,” read a statement by the United States Embassy in Riyadh. “The Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including against civilian airports, and the military conflict has the potential to escalate. U.S. citizens should be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued an even sterner warning.
“FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Aseer province, Riyadh province, Najran province, Jizan province and Taif city and Taif International Airport. FCDO continues to advise against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen.”
Christian Mbilli vs. Canelo undercard announced despite attacks
Despite the attacks, it appears to be business as usual for organizers of the fight card.
Social media accounts for The Ring magazine, DAZN, and Riyadh Season continue to advertise the event even as airlines suspend flights to the Saudi Arabian capital. The Houthis claim that they are targeting Saudi Arabia over the country’s support for government forces in Yemen’s civil war. They have warned workers to stay away from energy plants as those would be targeted by the paramilitary group.
Mbilli is still scheduled to defend his WBC super middleweight world title against Canelo on an Oct. 31 Ring Magazine card at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It continues to be offered as a pay-per-view (PPV) on DAZN. Note: Mbilli vs. Canelo is part of Riyadh Season, a state-funded entertainment festival. The Saudi Arabian government is responsible for its organization.
Also set to appear on the fight card is Jaime Munguía against Nikita Zon. Whether that will be for Munguía’s WBA super middleweight world title remains to be seen. Rafael Espinoza will put his WBO featherweight world title on the line against Lorenzo Parra. The vacant IBF super lightweight championship shall be contested between Lindolfo Delgado and Arthur Biyarslanov.
In non-title action, Alan Picasso face Carl Martin in a 10-round super bantamweight clash. Reito Tsutsumi takes on Raymundo Rojas and Sultan Almohammed faces Erick Villegas in super featherweight matchups. In super middleweight contests, Bek Nurmaganbet faces Marcos Vazquez and Brayan Leon takes on Hector Aguirre. The event’s lone middleweight bout sees Carlos Rojo face Flavius Biea.
⚠️ JUST ANNOUNCED ⚠️
The undercard for Canelo vs. Mbilli is just as SCARY as expected! 🇲🇽 vs. 🌍🌎
🎟️ Buy #CaneloMbilli NOW at https://t.co/yxybEeo0Px | Oct 31 | Mexico vs The World | Live on DAZN | @RingMagazine https://t.co/MfR3qc4EQF
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 8, 2026
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S Saadeq Ahmed
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.