UPDATE: The PFL (Professional Fighters League) kicks off its highly anticipated 2026 season today in Dubai, UAE, featuring a thrilling matchup between undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and 2025 tournament champion Alfie Davis. The event, starting at noon ET on ESPN+, marks a pivotal moment as the organization unveils its new direction following significant leadership changes.
The PFL, which has operated since 2018, is moving away from its previous single-elimination tournament format in favor of traditional matchmaking. This comes in the wake of the company’s restructuring, which included the appointment of new CEO John Martin and the departure of key figures, such as co-founder Donn Davis and former CEO Peter Murray. These shifts are crucial as the PFL aims to redefine its championship system, introducing a single belt holder per division.
The changes come after the PFL struggled to establish a strong footing in the competitive MMA landscape, despite attracting high-profile fighters like Francis Ngannou and acquiring Bellator MMA in 2023. The implications of these changes could be profound, as the PFL is the second-largest promotion in the U.S. after the UFC. A failure to adapt could jeopardize its future and the opportunities it provides for fighters.
In an exclusive interview, one prominent MMA manager stated,
“If the PFL were to fail, it would really undermine the sport as a whole. You might see a shift where if you aren’t this flashy guy who fits the [Dana White’s] Contender Series model, you could see those guys leaving the sport entirely.”
This sentiment underscores the urgency for the PFL to succeed in its new strategy.
Looking ahead, Martin has emphasized that 2026 is a critical year for the organization as it enters the final year of a three-year deal with ESPN. The PFL is actively seeking a committed media partner to enhance its visibility and promotional efforts. An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing negotiations, although a recent multiyear deal with Fox Latin America for broadcasting in Mexico and Central America indicates the PFL’s intentions to expand its reach.
According to fight managers, a robust media partnership is essential for the PFL’s sustainability. “They need a really good television, streaming media partner — period,” one manager remarked. The lack of exposure compared to the UFC could lead to a talent drain if the PFL cannot offer fighters the visibility they seek.
As the organization pivots, there is a consensus among managers that the PFL should concentrate its efforts on markets where the UFC has less presence. Europe has shown promise, with successful events in France and Belgium. A manager noted, “The PFL has a very good name in Europe, and the UFC is not very invested there.”
The PFL’s strategy may also involve exploring less saturated U.S. markets. Future events are planned in cities like Pittsburgh, which the UFC has not visited since 2017. Managers suggest that focusing on locations with strong local fight cultures could draw better attendance and engagement.
In terms of athlete recruitment, many managers recommend that the PFL pursue established fighters without exorbitant price tags rather than signing aging stars. “Go out and find a serviceable UFC veteran,” suggested one manager. This strategic approach could allow the PFL to elevate its homegrown talent while remaining financially viable.
The PFL’s evolution is now under a microscope as it prepares for its season opener. The stakes are high, not only for the organization but for the broader MMA community. As the new leadership takes the helm, the world will be watching to see if these changes can translate into success and sustainability for the promotion.
Stay tuned for updates as the PFL embarks on this transformative journey in Dubai.
