Saudi Arabia is emerging as the new capital for combat sports. The Professional Fighters League recently held its ‘PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions’ event in Riyadh, showcasing the growing relationship between the PFL and Saudi Arabia. With a $100 million investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s sports subsidiary, SRJ Sports Investments, the PFL aims to become a formidable challenger to the UFC. Learn more about this exciting event and the PFL’s plans for the future.
| Fight Results |
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| Bellator vs. PFL | Bellator 5 – PFL 1 |
Saudi Arabia is making its mark as the new capital for combat sports. Recently, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) hosted its inaugural ‘PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions’ event in the Middle Eastern kingdom. This event showcased the growing relationship between the PFL and Saudi Arabia, with a $100 million investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s sports subsidiary, SRJ Sports Investments. While Saudi Arabia has primarily focused on boxing in recent years, this MMA event was a significant step forward. The PFL’s acquisition of Bellator further solidifies its position as a formidable challenger to the UFC, as it aims to expand its fighter roster. The ‘PFL vs. Bellator’ card took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, attracting a sellout crowd of 18,000 spectators. The event featured 10 thrilling fights, including notable appearances by American boxer and Olympic champion Claressa Shields. Bellator fighters dominated the main card, winning five out of six matches against PFL fighters. The event was broadcasted as a pay-per-view and on ESPN+. PFL executives view the organization as the clear challenger to the UFC and aspire to surpass its popularity. In June, the UFC has planned a fight card at the same venue in Saudi Arabia. The PFL has also made significant signings, including former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and boxer Jake Paul. The heavyweight fight at the ‘PFL vs. Bellator’ event was seen as an opportunity to determine who would face Ngannou in his first PFL event this year. The event garnered substantial media attention, with over 100 in-person journalists covering the event. The PFL’s commitment to establishing a business relationship with Saudi Arabia is evident through multiple visits by key executives. While specific pay-per-view sales figures were not disclosed, the PFL’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia is set to continue, with plans for future events and an annual ‘Champs versus Champs’ extravaganza every February.
Saudi Arabia is making its mark as the new capital for combat sports. Recently, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) hosted its inaugural ‘PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions’ event in the Middle Eastern kingdom. This event showcased the growing relationship between the PFL and Saudi Arabia, with a $100 million investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s sports subsidiary, SRJ Sports Investments. While Saudi Arabia has primarily focused on boxing in recent years, this MMA event was a significant step forward. The PFL’s acquisition of Bellator further solidifies its position as a formidable challenger to the UFC, as it aims to expand its fighter roster. The ‘PFL vs. Bellator’ card took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, attracting a sellout crowd of 18,000 spectators. The event featured 10 thrilling fights, including notable appearances by American boxer and Olympic champion Claressa Shields. Bellator fighters dominated the main card, winning five out of six matches against PFL fighters. The event was broadcasted as a pay-per-view and on ESPN+. PFL executives view the organization as the clear challenger to the UFC and aspire to surpass its popularity. In June, the UFC has planned a fight card at the same venue in Saudi Arabia. The PFL has also made significant signings, including former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and boxer Jake Paul. The heavyweight fight at the ‘PFL vs. Bellator’ event was seen as an opportunity to determine who would face Ngannou in his first PFL event this year. The event garnered substantial media attention, with over 100 in-person journalists covering the event. The PFL’s commitment to establishing a business relationship with Saudi Arabia is evident through multiple visits by key executives. While specific pay-per-view sales figures were not disclosed, the PFL’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia is set to continue, with plans for future events and an annual ‘Champs versus Champs’ extravaganza every February.
