PFL Reveals Ambitious Plans for 2026: Global Expansion and New Format
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced its schedule for the year 2026, promising a season packed with action and global expansion. The plan includes a total of 24 events, designed to captivate sports fans in various regions.
PFL plans to hold 16 events worldwide and eight regional events, focusing on its MENA (Middle East and North Africa) and Africa series. This strategy seeks to consolidate the league’s presence in key markets and attract a wider audience.
The 2026 calendar will begin in February with an event in Dubai. March will feature a double dose of excitement with events in Madrid and Pittsburgh, followed by an event in Chicago in April.The 2026 season of the Professional Fighters League will begin in February in Dubai. Fabian Edwards was this year’s Middleweight World Tournament champion.The official matchups will be announced at a later date. The event in Madrid will mark the PFL’s first foray into Spain.
Founded in 2017, the PFL has experienced significant changes in its leadership in recent months. In July, the company appointed John Martin, former executive of Turner and Time Warner, as its CEO, and this week Lenny Daniels, former president of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, as its COO.
The promotion was historically based on a regular season and playoffs format. That format disappeared in 2025 in favor of a direct elimination tournament. Martin has chosen to move away completely from the tournament model, in favor of a more traditional MMA matchup. The PFL has a national broadcast agreement that expires at the end of 2026.
