Dubai a 'turning point' in the world of live sports with Global Titans Fight Series

Organisers of a proposed new combat-sports series that aims to launch next month in Dubai say the event marks a “pivotal moment” in the future of live sports and entertainment.

The Global Titans Fight Series, billed as a multi-event production to be staged at notable locations around the world, is scheduled to begin on May 14 on the Burj Al Arab helipad, with retired boxing star Floyd Mayweather slated to headline. The unbeaten former five-time world champion, 45, takes on fellow American Don Moore.

Entitled “The Showcase in the Skies of Dubai”, the series’ inaugural event features UFC great Anderson Silva and intends to also host a female boxing world title bout.

Organisers say the all-boxing fight night represents the world’s first NFT (non-fungible token) pay-per-view sports event, meaning fans who purchase a NFT will gain access to the live stream and exclusive content.

The ticket – a 3D digital crystal design in the shape of the Burj Al Arab - also serves as a collectible NFT that can be traded. The Dubai show is available through regular pay-per-view and linear TV, and will be broadcast on four continents.

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“This is the pivotal moment in time where Web2 transitions to Web3 in live sports and live entertainment,” Robert Quirke, CEO of Global Titans co-founders ROQU Media, told The National.

“With introducing Web3 or NFTs into live entertainment and the live-streaming industry, it's so much better for fans and for consumers because they actually get content that they own, and they have assets, which they own. And they’re also given a utility – in this case to watch the live stream.

“When you go to purchase a NFT you physically own that asset, so the fans are