PFL looking to build on ‘huge success’ of first Middle East events

Chairman and founder Donn Davis says plans to are in the works to bring ‘great mega events’ to Dubai while also offering a platform to local fighters

The Professional Fighters League plans to expand its footprint in Dubai and offer pathways to more local fighters to compete, says the organisation's chairman and founder Donn Davis.

The PFL's inaugural Road to Dubai took place on January 25 in front of a sold-out Coca-Cola Arena, highlighted by the Bellator lightweight title contest between champion Umar Nurmagomedov and challenger Paul Hughes.

The Russian extended his unbeaten record with a unanimous decision over Hughes, but the 10-fight card was notable for giving a platform to local fighters like Omar Hadi Al Hussaini, who became the first Emirati to win in the PFL, securing a unanimous decision over Ruel Panales of the Philippines.

The Road to Dubai was the latest installment of the PFL's progression in the Middle East, coming three months after their signature event - PFL Super Fights - in Riyadh that saw Francis Ngannou beat heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira following a three-year hiatus from mixed martial arts.

UAE's Hadi Omar Al Hussaini after defeating Ruel Panales in their flyweight contest during the PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series at the Coca Cola Arena. All photos Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini defeated Ruel Panales by unanimous decision at the Coca Cola Arena

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini became the first Emirati to win in the PFL

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini started his MMA career late in life, having spent much of his time in the corporate world

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini pins Ruel Panales to the mat at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini defeated Ruel Panales in their flyweight contest at the PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series

“Huge success," Davis told The National of the PFL's first foray into the Middle East. "We were the first MMA [world promotion] in Saudi Arabia and the first MMA ever in Dubai, how can you have a better year than to have two firsts like that?"

Davis said he "absolutely" envisaged more Emirati fights following in Al Hussaini's path of fighting under the PFL banner.

"One it’s good business locally, and two it’s good business globally. Great fighters can come from anywhere – you just have to give them opportunity,” Davis added.

“It’s always about your own local heroes and own local stars, whether it’s UAE, Saudi, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco – everybody wants to say ‘I want a route for my own’.”

In November, the PFL signed a multi-year partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council to host the Champions Series World Title event, which will see the promotion's biggest names compete in the emirate.

Davis said their were plans to stage "great mega events on a global scale" but also "have events regionally" with plans to bring a PFL Middle East to Dubai this year.

PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

“Big fights are happening in the Middle East, there is the money to support those. So it used to be Las Vegas now it’s the Middle East," Davis added.

"But when you talk about fighters it’s still a developing region: you need coaches, you need camps, you need other fighters to sharpen your skills – that is still developing in the region.”

When asked if heavyweight champion Ngannou could fight in the UAE, Davis said: “Look, it’s possible. Francis’ return to MMA after three years was in Riyadh. So those fights could happen in Dubai, could happen Abu Dhabi, could happen in the UAE.”