Cristiano Ronaldo and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou squared off in Riyadh on Saturday – but thankfully for the former it was all in jest.
The pair met in the Saudi Arabia capital this weekend, where Ronaldo is preparing to make his Al Nassr debut on Sunday following his hugely lucrative move to the club last month.
Ngannou, meanwhile, has been in the kingdom for a few days, less than one week after UFC president Dana White confirmed the then-heavyweight champion had left the promotion. The Cameroonian athlete is now a free agent.
Ngannou, who has long harboured hopes of a switch to professional boxing, attended the Riyadh Season Cup on Thursday, where an Allstar XI captained by Ronaldo took on Paris Saint-Germain in a friendly.
On Saturday, Ngannou posted pictures and video of his meeting with Ronaldo, describing their interaction as “very inspirational”.
Ronaldo, 37, is set to play his first official match for Nassr on Sunday night, at home to Al Ettifaq in the Saudi pro League. Currently second in the table, Nassr will reclaim the summit with a victory.
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The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Everton%20Fixtures
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Sukuk
An Islamic bond structured in a way to generate returns without violating Sharia strictures on prohibition of interest.
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