Dubai is right place and time for PFL MENA ‘Pride of Arabia,’ says chief Jerome Mazet

DUBAI: On May 24, the Professional Fighters League brings its first Middle East North Africa regional event of the year to Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, and the story behind that choice says a lot about where Arab MMA is heading.

The card is called “Pride of Arabia,” and the name was deliberate. The original plan was to hold the season opener in Alkhobar on May 8, under the name “Rise of the Gulf,” with a card built around Eastern Province talent.

When the conflict in the region forced a postponement in April, the promotion moved the event and rebuilt the story around Dubai. The result is a card that represents 11 nationalities, all of whom either live in or have strong ties to the UAE.

“Dubai is a key market for PFL MENA and a global hub for sport and entertainment, making it the ideal stage for our 2026 season opener,” PFL MENA General Manager Jerome Mazet said.

“Dubai has consistently shown its passion for MMA, and we are excited to bring local stars like Mohammad Yahya and Zamzam Al-Hammadi to perform in front of a home crowd.”

Dubai and the wider UAE did not become a combat sports hub by accident. It traces back to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who encountered Brazilian jiu-jitsu while studying in the US after watching the inaugural UFC event in 1993.

He returned to Abu Dhabi, established the Abu Dhabi Combat Club, and in 1998 launched the ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, now considered one of the most prestigious grappling competitions on the planet.

From that foundation, jiu-jitsu became woven into the fabric of UAE society. In 2008, the Abu Dhabi Education Council made the sport part of the curriculum in 14 public schools.

By 2016, the program had expanded to over 130 schools, with more than