DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, alongside H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), observed the signing of a cooperation agreement to introduce a new global mixed martial arts (MMA) championship. The agreement was signed between the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
According to Emirates News Agency, the newly launched Professional Fighters League (PFL) Championship, dubbed ‘Road to Dubai’, will consist of a series of international MMA events held in various cities worldwide. This series will conclude with a season finale in Dubai on 25th January, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena located in Dubai’s City Walk. The event will feature Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion, defending his titl
e against Ireland’s Paul ‘Big News’ Hughes, who recently achieved victory at PFL’s Battle of the Giants.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the inception of this global MMA championship reflects the international sports community’s trust in Dubai. He pointed out the city’s status as a premier destination for hosting significant international competitions across multiple sports disciplines, supported by its dedication to ensuring the success of such events and reinforcing its reputation as a major hub on the global sports stage.
The multi-year agreement also aims to attract and nurture talented Emirati athletes in mixed martial arts, preparing them for competition in international championships. This initiative will further reinforce Dubai’s position on the global sports map, with a special emphasis on the world of MMA.
The agreement was formalized by Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment; and Pete Murray, CEO of the Profession
al Fighters League. The PFL is recognized for featuring elite mixed martial artists, including Dagestani lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, and providing a platform for emerging Emirati fighters.
The Professional Fighters League is acknowledged as a global leader in MMA and is noted as the fastest-growing sports league worldwide.