PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions PPV event marks MMA promotion’s entry into Saudi Arabia

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has set the stage for a historic moment in Saudi Arabia’s sporting landscape by announcing its first-ever pay-per-view event, PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions.

Slated to unfold at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on February 24, this event promises a riveting showcase of top-tier mixed martial arts talent.

The PPV Super Fight event is designed to captivate audiences with seven match-ups, featuring current and former champions, along with title challengers from both the PFL and Bellator promotions. Global MMA enthusiasts can catch all the action through streaming on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN.

The preliminary card, featuring three showcase bouts, will be aired on ESPNews and ESPN+ in the United States. The main event of the evening will see a compelling clash between the PFL’s Renan Ferreira and Bellator’s Ryan Bader.

2023 PFL Heavyweight World Champion @MmaProblema and @BellatorMMA Heavyweight World Champion @RyanBader on a collision course toward each other

Only one will sit on the 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗘 👑#PFLvsBellator | #RiyadSeason pic.twitter.com/9dRPNaBfJ0

— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 17, 2024

This comes on the heels of SRJ Sports Investments, a sports investment company formed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), injecting a reported US$100 million into the PFL in August. Buoyed by this infusion of funds, the PFL made headlines by acquiring its rival promotion, Bellator, in November. The collaboration between champions from both promotions was promptly confirmed, setting the stage for this highly anticipated event.

Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as a powerhouse in combat sports, with notable boxing events, such as the upcoming undisputed heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

The announcement of the February card signifies the PFL’s commitment to becoming a premier MMA promotion in Saudi Arabia, particularly as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) reportedly delayed its inaugural event in the kingdom until June.

“The Middle East is the fight capital of the world, and the Professional Fighters League is proud to bring the world’s best combat sports stars to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Riyadh Season to host the first-ever PFL PPV Super Fight mega-global event,” said Peter Murray, Chief Executive of the PFL.

“PFL Champions versus Bellator Champions is game changing for fighters and fans. I would like to thank HE Turki Alalshikh, the GEA and SRJ for this incredible opportunity to grow the sport of MMA in the kingdom and around the world.”

PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions serves as a strategy to establish the PFL’s presence in Saudi Arabia. PFL MENA is slated to launch in 2024, with plans for additional mega events hosted in Saudi Arabia each year.