
By Izzy Carnwath for SportCal
- How might the relationship between sovereign funders and international promoters work to stimulate flourishing national sectors for MMA across MENA?
- And how regional sector growth can boost the success of the top international promoters?
MMA is exploding across the Middle East accelerated by substantial investment amidst a broader pattern of development.
With Saudi Arabia positioned as the new Las Vegas for pro boxing superfights, it is not surprising that it has invested in its first MMA property, PFL, to the tune of $100 million from its Public Investment Fund. Dito for UFC’s Saudi debut, scheduled for June.
Meanwhile, UFC is enjoying an exclusive 5-year deal with state-owned Abu Dhabi Media, through the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. And Qatar has now also entered the game with its Media City inking a contract with ONE Championship.
However, while it is the big leagues that have grabbed the headlines, there has also been significant development in homegrown and grassroots MMA across MENA….