PFL Reveals Ambitious Plans for 2026: Global Expansion and New Format
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has unveiled its strategic plans for the year 2026, promising a season packed with action and global expansion. The calendar will include a total of 24 events, distributed across 16 global events and eight regional events in its MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and Africa series.
The official announcement was made on Tuesday, marking a milestone in the promotion’s ambition to establish itself as a benchmark in mixed martial arts.
The 2026 season will kick off in February with an event in Dubai, followed by two events in March in Madrid and Pittsburgh, and one in April in Chicago.PFL will start its 2026 season in February in Dubai. Fabian Edwards was the champion of this year’s Middleweight World Tournament.
The official fight pairings will be determined and announced at a later date. The event in Madrid will represent the PFL’s first visit to Spain.
Founded in 2017, the PFL has undergone a significant transformation in its leadership in recent months. The company appointed John Martin, former executive at Turner and Time Warner, as its CEO in July, and Lenny Daniels, former president of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, as its COO this week.
Historically, promotion had been structured around a regular season and a playoff format. That format disappeared in 2025, giving way to a direct elimination tournament. Martin has chosen to move away completely from the tournament model, favoring more traditional MMA matchmaking. The PFL has a national broadcast agreement with ESPN that expires at the end of 2026.
