Dubai: The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the commencement of its 2026 MENA season with the event titled "Pride of Arabia," scheduled for May 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The season opener will showcase fighters from 11 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, emphasizing the region's expanding role in the realm of mixed martial arts.
According to Emirates News Agency, the main event will feature a featherweight quarterfinal bout between UAE's Mohammad Yahya and Tunisia's Mehdi Saadi. Yahya will make his PFL debut on home turf, while Saadi comes into the fight with a solid competitive background. Both athletes are keen to progress further in the tournament.
The co-main event will highlight Morocco's Salah Eddine Hamli against Algeria's Ylies Djiroun in the lightweight category. Hamli enters the match with an unbeaten record, while Djiroun brings significant experience from various international competitions. The event will also introduce Zamzam Al Hammadi, an emerging Emirati talent in the sport.
Jerome Mazet, General Manager of PFL MENA, stated that Dubai is a crucial location for the league, offering an excellent platform to kick off the new season due to its reputation as a global sports and entertainment hub. Tickets for the event are available on the Coca-Cola Arena website, with discounts for early bookings until April 29.