Dubai to host new global championship in mixed martial arts

Dubai will host a new championship in mixed martial arts (MMA), which will contribute to strengthening the city's position on the global sports map and supporting Emirati athletes.

The new Professional Fighters League (PFL) Championship, titled 'Road to Dubai', will feature a series of international mixed martial arts events across various cities, leading up to the season finale in Dubai on January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk.

A cooperation agreement has been signed between the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the PFL.

The championship will be headlined by the returning 'Pride of Dagestan', Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion with an impressive 18-0 record.

He will defend his title against Ireland’s Paul 'Big News' Hughes (13-1), fresh off his victory at PFL’s Battle of the Giants, where he triumphed over AJ McKee.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said that the new championship underscores the trust placed in Dubai by the global sports community and international federations.

The latest multi-year agreement also aims to attract and develop talented Emirati athletes in mixed martial arts as well as prepare them to compete in international championships.

The PFL, known as the fastest-growing MMA league worldwide, is committed to developing the sport in Dubai and providing opportunities for emerging Emirati fighters.

.@HamdanMohammed witnesses the signing of a cooperation agreement between @DubaiSC, @DubaiDET, and the Professional Fighters League to launch a new global championship in mixed martial arts titled ‘Road to Dubai’.https://t.co/Cz5k6lniGx pic.twitter.com/MwVYYm6yIs

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 20, 2024