Professional Fighters League Set to Expand into Dubai

The Professional Fighters League, the only MMA promotion with a regular season and playoff format, is set to expand its global footprint and run events next year in Dubai.

Dubai is set to host the Champions Series World Title event, following the signing of a multi-year partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Sports Council and the PFL.

“The Professional Fighters League is proud to be the first organization to launch major global MMA events in Dubai,” said PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray. “We are excited to partner with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Sports Council to stage annual mega events in the city of gold and develop the next generation of UAE champion fighters.”

The partnership will see fighters from the PFL compete in Dubai. All other Champions Series events will be co-branded as “Road to Dubai.” As part of the PFL’s commitment to developing the sport of MMA in Dubai, Emirati fighters will now have a pathway to become future PFL champions.

The first event will take place on January 25, 2025, at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai’s City Walk. The card is headlined by undefeated Bellator Lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his title against Paul Hughes. PFL purchased MMA rival Bellator in 2023, aided in part by Saudi Arabia’s recent purchase into PFL. The purchase for $100 million by Saudi-backed SRJ Sports Investments ensured mixed-martial arts events would take place in that country.

“Through this agreement, Dubai Sports Council will provide all means of support to ensure the success of the first-of-its-kind International Martial Arts Championship Series (Road to Dubai) in the Middle East, which represents a qualitative addition to the list of international sporting events and enhances sports tourism,” said Saeed Hareb, secretary general of the Dubai Sports Council.