The five-year-old league touted that PFL MENA will become the preeminent MMA league in the Middle East when it launches in April 2024 thanks to an initiative with SRJ Sports Investments. SRJ, which acquired a minority equity ownership stake in PFL last year, became an investor in a new regional league.
Even though it’s still in its infancy, the PFL has been making hefty investments over the past year to cement itself as a household name, including acquiring rival Bellator in November and subsequently tripling its number of top 25 ranked fighters.
Now, it’s seeking to attract an even wider audience in the Middle East. It’s just one of many steps it’s taking to become a global leader in the sport, which has long been dominated by the UFC.
PFL owner Donn Davis told FOX Business that there is a significant amount of pent-up demand for MMA globally, and they’re seeking to capitalize on it. For one, of the 650 million MMA fans, 80% are not in the U.S., Davis said. Additionally, 50% of the MMA revenue is not in the U.S.
