The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is actively looking at the Middle East to lead the next phase of its global growth strategy.
Following its success in the US and European markets, the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisation is planning to launch additional international and regional leagues over the next three years.
Peter Murray, CEO of PFL, told ARN News that the Middle East is crucial to these plans, with the region's talent base and the surging popularity of MMA seen as strong factors.
Murray pointed out that the Middle East is rich in MMA talent, adding that the PFL already has on its roster the likes of Mostafa Rashed Neda and Abdullah Al-Qahtani, who hail from Saudi Arabia.
He emphasised the league's commitment to provide a pathway for the best local fighters to reach the PFL's global roster.
Murray said more specific details of PFL's plans for the Middle East will be announced in the coming months while adding: "We have relationships with all major federations, gyms, managers and top fighters" to make it happen.
Pakistan appointed former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach of their test team for the two-match series in Bangladesh next month, the country's cricket board said on Saturday.
Coventry City ended their 25-year absence from the Premier League with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers, securing promotion from the Championship with three games to spare on Friday.
Gujarat Titans adapted to conditions to secure a five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada said, focusing on tight bowling instead of the explosive batting that has been the hallmark of the Indian Premier League.
Carlos Alcaraz will miss the Madrid Open for the second consecutive year after withdrawing on Friday with a wrist injury, dealing another blow to the world number two's clay court preparations ahead of his French Open title defence.
Novak Djokovic is still working through the injury problems that forced him to miss recent tournaments in Miami and Monte Carlo and said on Friday that he will not feature at next week's Madrid Open, one of the last stops before the French Open.
Dubai Police, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Interior, have arrested an Irish fugitive accused of involvement in an organised criminal group linked to international crimes in his home country.