"PFL's mission is to become the global co-leader in MMA with our fighter-first mission and disruptive sport-season format," PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis said in a statement."This investment by SRJ continues the monumental growth that PFL has experienced throughout the world, and there is no better partner in global sports than SRJ."
This is Saudi Arabia's first official foray into mixed martial arts, though it has been active in combat sports over the past several years, hosting and financing major boxing and WWE events. The country has been aggressive in its investments in soccer, golf, Formula One racing and cycling, among other sports.
According to the release, PFL plans to launch six international regional leagues by 2026, what it called the first"Champions League of MMA." PFL Europe started earlier this year, and PFL MENA will launch in the second quarter of 2024 with a"four-event sport-season format" schedule announced in the fall.