The Professional Fighters League (PFL), known as the fastest-growing and most innovative MMA sports league globally, has announced the launch of PFL MENA. This new international league will debut in April 2024, marking a major milestone in PFL’s expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
PFL MENA: A New Platform for Regional MMA Talent
PFL MENA will feature a thrilling four-event season showcasing the region’s top fighters. This league is backed by SRJ Sports Investments, highlighting strong local support for mixed martial arts development. The full fighter roster will be revealed in March 2024.
Danny Townsend, CEO of SRJ Sports Investment, said:
“The launch of PFL MENA is a landmark moment for MMA. Saudi Arabia is becoming a global hub for combat sports, and this league will help unlock new pathways for regional talent to reach the world stage.”
Expanding MMA’s Reach in the Middle East
PFL CEO Peter Murray added:
“With our partners at SRJ, we’re excited to bring PFL’s second international league to the Middle East. PFL MENA expands the sport’s footprint by delivering events in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
Jerome Mazet, General Manager of PFL MENA, shared:
“PFL MENA offers a global platform for emerging Middle Eastern fighters. We aim to develop stars, spotlight MMA’s growth in the region, and offer life-changing championship opportunities with million-dollar purses.”
PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions: Riyadh’s Mega MMA Event
Ahead of PFL MENA’s launch, PFL hosted a major MMA event in Riyadh on February 24th—PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions. The event featured world-class fighters, including Saudi native Abdullah Al-Qahtani and regional stars like Ahmed Amir and Jarrah Al-Silawi.
Season Format and Showcase Fighters
The inaugural PFL MENA season will include 32 fighters across four weight classes. The league follows PFL’s unique sports-season format with a regular season, playoffs, and championship. Additionally, it will host showcase fights to promote local talents such as Hattan Alsaif, Saudi Arabia’s first female MMA fighter signed by a major global promotion. She will debut in amateur bouts during PFL MENA events.
PFL’s Vision: The Champions League of MMA
PFL continues its global growth with leagues like PFL Europe and PFL MENA. It stands out by using a sports-season format where fighters compete annually for titles and million-dollar prizes. The combined PFL and Bellator roster features 30% of fighters ranked in the top 25 worldwide, matching UFC’s caliber.
PFL leads in technology with its proprietary Smart Cage, enabling fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and enhanced viewing experiences. The league is broadcast on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and streamed across 150 countries through 20 media partners.
