The Professional Fighters League (PFL), known for its unique MMA format featuring a regular season and playoffs, has signed an agreement with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council to stage events in the United Arab Emirates. This move marks a significant step in the PFL’s global expansion plans.
One of the highlights of this collaboration will be the Champions Series World Title event, scheduled for January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai’s City Walk. The event will feature Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his title against Paul Hughes in the main event, showcasing the talent acquired through PFL’s acquisition of Bellator in 2023.
As part of the agreement, the PFL is committed to nurturing local talent by signing Emirati fighters, further integrating the region into its MMA ecosystem.
The deal also reflects the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in international sports. The Saudi-backed SRJ Sports Investments played a pivotal role in PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, contributing $100 million in funding. This investment not only strengthened the PFL’s operations but also ensured the promotion of MMA events in Saudi Arabia.
The move positions the PFL as a direct competitor to the UFC in the Middle East, a region where the UFC has traditionally dominated with regular events in Abu Dhabi.
This partnership is part of a broader trend of Gulf countries leveraging sports to enhance their global image and diversify their economies. Saudi Arabia, through its Public Investment Fund, has made bold investments in sports, including the creation of LIV Golf and efforts to attract top global talent, reinforcing the region’s ambition to be a central player in the global sports arena.