PFL Seeks Middle East Expansion, Eyes Dubai, Qatar, Egypt, and Africa
Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025 1:20 am ET
Saudi Arabia-backed MMA league PFL is expanding in the Middle East, with events planned in Dubai and Qatar. The league's Middle East and North Africa league will hold events outside of Saudi Arabia this year and aims to launch in Egypt in 2026. PFL's overall revenue surpassed $100 million in 2024, and the company is fully financed for the next couple of years.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), a leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, is set to expand its presence in the Middle East with the launch of PFL MENA [1]. This new league will feature top MMA fighters from the region and hold events in Dubai, Qatar, and Egypt, marking a significant milestone in PFL's expansion strategy.According to the announcement, PFL MENA will follow a sport-season format, with four live events scheduled to take place in the Middle East starting in April 2024 [1]. The full roster of fighters for the league will be revealed in March. The partnership between PFL and SRJ Sports Investments ("SRJ") is expected to accelerate PFL's growth in the MENA region [1].
SRJ, a Saudi Arabian investment firm, has been instrumental in bringing world-class talent to the region and supporting the development of local athletes [1]. Danny Townsend, CEO of SRJ Sports Investment, expressed his excitement about the launch of PFL MENA, stating that it is a significant milestone for the sport of MMA and a testament to SRJ's investment mandate [1].
PFL's expansion into the Middle East comes at an opportune time, as Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as the international home of combat sports [1]. The partnership with SRJ is expected to provide new pathways for talented Middle Eastern MMA fighters to compete on a global stage and potentially win a life-changing opportunity at a PFL Championship and a million-dollar purse [1].
PFL's overall revenue surpassed $100 million in 2024, and the company is fully financed for the next couple of years [1]. With the launch of PFL MENA, the organization is poised to expand its brand and MMA footprint in the Middle East, bringing events to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
References:
[1] Professional Fighters League extends global reach with the launch of PFL MENA. (2024, February 24). Retrieved from https://pflmma.com/news/professional-fighters-league-extends-global-reach-with-the-launch-of-pfl-mena