Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktum bin Juma Al Maktum joined the global ownership group of the professional Fighters League and strengthened the league’s commitment to expanding its presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. Sheikh Mohammed, founding chairman of Dubai-based Alpha MBM Investments, brings experience from sectors such as sports, real estate, technology and energy. Under his leadership, Alpha MBM has been actively and actively working to support economic innovation and form partnerships in line with the UAE’s long-term vision.
Sheikh Mohammed and PFL
Announcement of his new role, Sheikh Mohammed said: “I am pleased to be part of the PFL ownership group as I believe in the PFL’s global vision to grow the sports of MMA in PFL. I am excited by the momentum of the PFL as I stage the world-class fighting event in Dubai and the UAE region.” Earlier this year, the PFL became the first international MMA organization to hold major events in Dubai, and played the PFL Champions Series Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Economy and Dubai Sports Council. The event was highlighted by the title fight between undefeated Russian fighters Usman Magomedov and Ireland’s Paul Hughes.
Peter Murray, CEO of PFL International, commented: “PFL is excited to welcome Sheikh Mohammed and his expertise to the ownership group. This marks another major milestone in its global expansion strategy and strengthens its long-term commitment to expanding its presence in the Middle East.” PFL MENA, the league’s regional franchise, is currently appearing in its second season, producing regional champions such as Abdullah Al Qahtani and Omar El Dafrawy, and creating female MMA figures Hattan Alsaif. The third event of the current PFL MENA season is scheduled to take place in September.
Looking ahead, the PFL will continue its MENA season in September and will maintain its global schedule with the PFL World Tournament and Champions series, which will air in 190 countries with support from media partners in over 190 countries. In addition to Usman Magomedov and Paul Hughes, the league’s roster includes local talents such as Abdullah Al Qahtani, Omar El Dafrawy and Hattan Alsaif. PFL uses the “Win and Advance” tournament format in three fight products: the PFL World Tournament, the PFL Champions Series and the PFL International Leagues.
PFL is broadcast and streamed worldwide. In the MENA region, all PFL MENA events are streamed live through Starzplay, serving over 2.5 million subscribers in MENA and Pakistan. PFL MENA, headquartered in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Surj Sports Investment, continues to provide opportunities for fighters from the Middle East and North Africa to compete at an international level.