The Dubai Sports Council, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) have formed a partnership aimed at launching a new global championship in mixed martial arts (MMA). This collaboration was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. He was joined by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
The newly established Professional Fighters League (PFL) Championship, named ‘Road to Dubai’, will consist of a series of international mixed martial arts events held in various cities around the globe, culminating in the season finale in Dubai. This much-anticipated event is scheduled for 25 January 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena located in Dubai’s City Walk.
Headlining fighters and historic matchup
Also, the championship will feature the return of the ‘Pride of Dagestan’, Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion boasting an impressive record of 18-0. He will defend his title against Ireland’s Paul ‘Big News’ Hughes (13-1), who comes off a significant victory at PFL’s Battle of the Giants, where he triumphed over AJ McKee. This championship marks a historic first for the Middle East.
Dubai’s global sports reputation
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan remarked that the introduction of this global mixed martial arts championship highlights the confidence that the global sports community and international federations have in Dubai. He further emphasized the city’s status as a premier destination for hosting major international tournaments across various sports, underscored by its dedication to ensuring the success of these events and reinforcing its position as a leading hub on the global sports landscape.
Read more: Dubai to host Games of the Future in 2025
Commitment to Emirati athletes
The multi-year agreement also aims to attract and nurture talented Emirati athletes in mixed martial arts, preparing them to compete on the international stage. This initiative will further enhance Dubai’s standing in the global sports arena, particularly within the realm of MMA.
Also, the agreement was formalized by His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, which is part of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai and a member of the Dubai Sports Council Board of Directors; and Pete Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League.
PFL’s role in developing MMA
Additionally, the Professional Fighters League showcases elite mixed martial artists, including Dagestani lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, along with other distinguished competitors contending for the title. Moreover, committed to advancing mixed martial arts in Dubai, the PFL creates opportunities for emerging Emirati fighters to pave their way to becoming future champions.
As a global leader in MMA, the Professional Fighters League is recognized as the fastest-growing sports league worldwide.
