Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans across the Middle East and North Africa are turning their attention to Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, as the city prepares to host the region's biggest event: the opening of the 2026 season of the Professional Fighters League MENA (PFL MENA). The competition is scheduled to take place on May 8th at the Dhahran Expo, with a large audience eagerly anticipating the participation of elite Arab and international fighters.
A promising Saudi emergence and the return of the heroes
This event has a distinctly Saudi flavor, as it marks the professional debut of promising Saudi fighter Ahmed Al-Ibrahim. Al-Ibrahim will be fighting his first professional bout, supported by fans from the Eastern Province, in a move that marks the beginning of his career in the spotlight and reflects the remarkable development of Saudi talent, which is now finding its way onto the international stage.
In the title race, the return of the 2025 lightweight champion, Salah al-Din Hamli, is a major highlight. Hamli enters the new season with high ambitions to defend his title and reaffirm his worthiness of the championship, relying on his immense popularity and the consistent technical skill that impressed last season.
Distinguished Gulf presence
The excitement isn't limited to local participation; it extends to stars from the Gulf region, including renowned Bahraini fighter Hamza Al-Kooheji. Al-Kooheji is making his debut in the featherweight division of the league, adding significant weight to the tournament and underscoring the broad regional participation and fierce competition expected among the Gulf champions.
Strategic context and the Kingdom's sporting standing
The city of Al-Khobar's hosting of this major event is part of a broader strategy to enhance Saudi Arabia's position as a global destination for combat sports. The PFL MENA League is the fruit of a strategic and investment partnership aimed at developing the sport in the region and providing a professional platform that allows Arab fighters to reach international levels.
The selection of the Eastern Province, specifically Dhahran Expo, reflects the region's past successes in hosting major events, including last season's finals. This move underscores the association's commitment to supporting local and Gulf fighters and contributing to the development of a new generation of champions capable of competing internationally, in line with the unprecedented sporting momentum the Kingdom is witnessing.
The remaining details of the fight card and the participating names are expected to be revealed in the next few days, which will increase the excitement surrounding this anticipated event.
