UPDATE: The Professional Fighters League (PFL) kicks off its highly anticipated 2026 season today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, featuring a marquee matchup between undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and 2025 lightweight tournament champion Alfie Davis. The event begins at noon ET on ESPN+ with prelims starting at 9 a.m.
This launch marks a significant turning point for the PFL, which is undergoing a major overhaul after months of strategic changes. Recently appointed CEO John Martin emphasizes that 2026 is a pivotal year for the organization, following a shift away from its previous single-elimination tournament format. Instead, the PFL is embracing traditional matchmaking.
The PFL has made bold moves, including the departure of long-time leadership, such as chairman and co-founder Donn Davis, CEO Peter Murray, and president Ray Sefo. The promotion is also revamping its championship structure to streamline its divisions into a single title holder per category, aiming to clarify its competitive landscape.
These changes come in the wake of the PFL’s struggles to establish itself as a viable alternative to the UFC, especially after its acquisition of Bellator MMA in 2023. The stakes are high, as industry experts warn that failure to adapt could endanger MMA’s competitive ecosystem.
“If the PFL were to fail, it would really undermine the sport as a whole,” stated a prominent MMA manager, highlighting the potential fallout for athletes seeking diverse opportunities.
As the PFL begins its new chapter, there is an urgent need to secure a strategic media partner. The promotion is nearing the conclusion of a three-year extension with ESPN, which is crucial for visibility and engagement. Martin has stated that they are actively seeking a committed partner, but ESPN declined to comment on ongoing negotiations.
In an effort to expand its reach, the PFL recently announced a multiyear broadcasting agreement with Fox Latin America, marking its first major foray into the Mexican and Central American markets. However, sources indicate that domestic rights are vital for the PFL’s future success.
“They need a really good television, streaming media partner — period,” a fight manager emphasized. Without a robust media partner, the PFL risks losing its competitive edge and financial stability.
The PFL’s strategy has also generated suggestions to shift its focus to European markets, where it has seen more success compared to its underwhelming ticket sales in the U.S. Notably, the UFC’s lack of investment in Europe presents an opportunity for the PFL to capitalize on growing interest in the sport.
“[The PFL has] a very good name in Europe,” one manager noted, advocating for the promotion to build on the momentum gained from acquiring Bellator MMA. This strategy could allow the PFL to establish a solid foundation in a region where the UFC is less dominant.
At the same time, fight managers advise the PFL to target less lucrative yet experienced fighters rather than overpaying for aging stars. This approach would not only preserve resources but also allow emerging talents to shine.
The PFL’s inaugural U.S. event of 2026 is set for March 20 in Pittsburgh, a city overlooked by the UFC since 2017. This move aligns with suggestions to explore less saturated markets, enabling the PFL to maximize exposure and engage local fanbases.
As the PFL embarks on this transformative journey, all eyes will be on how these strategic shifts will influence its standing in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts. With the 2026 season now underway, the urgency for the PFL to establish itself as a formidable force in the fighting world has never been greater.
