Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Joins PFL Ownership, Boosting MMA in UAE

DUBAI, UAE (July 24, 2025) — The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the addition of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum to its ownership group, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the league's presence in the Middle East and furthering the growth of mixed martial arts (MMA) within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the broader region.

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the founding Chairman of Alpha MBM Investments, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the PFL ownership. In a statement, he articulated his belief in the PFL's global vision to develop the sport of MMA and highlighted the league's momentum following its successful Champions Series event held in Dubai earlier this year. "I am delighted to join the PFL’s ownership group as I believe in PFL’s global vision to grow the sport of MMA, and I am excited by PFL’s momentum in staging world-class fight events in Dubai and the UAE region," Sheikh Mohammed stated.

Alpha MBM Investments, under Sheikh Mohammed's leadership, has emerged as a significant player in various sectors including real estate, technology, energy, and sports, aligning with the UAE’s long-term economic objectives. This partnership with PFL is poised to leverage Sheikh Mohammed's extensive experience in fostering economic innovation and global partnerships.

Peter Murray, CEO of PFL International, welcomed Sheikh Mohammed to the ownership group, stating, "This marks another major milestone in our global expansion strategy and reinforces our long-term commitment to expanding our presence in the Middle East." Murray emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed's expertise would be pivotal in delivering premium MMA experiences across the region and creating pathways for regional fighters to compete on a global scale.

The PFL has made considerable strides in the Middle East, notably becoming the first global MMA organization to stage a major event in Dubai. The January event featured a high-profile championship fight between undefeated Russian fighter Usman Magomedov and rising Irish star Paul Hughes, which garnered significant attention and acclaim.

The ongoing PFL MENA season, now in its second year, has successfully produced local champions such as Abdullah Al Qahtani and Omar El Dafrawy, as well as promoting women's MMA through figures like Hattan Alsaif, a pioneering athlete in the region. The league aims to continue this trajectory of growth, with its third event of the current MENA season scheduled for September 2025.

The addition of Sheikh Mohammed to PFL’s ownership group not only reflects the league's commitment to the UAE but also underscores the potential for MMA to flourish in the Middle East. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and support for local talents, the future of MMA in the region appears promising, as organizations like PFL continue to expand their footprint and elevate the sport's profile internationally.

As the PFL moves forward with its initiatives, industry stakeholders and fans alike are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead for MMA in the UAE, bolstered by strategic partnerships and local expertise.