The Professional Fighters League is looking to increase its global reach by expanding internationally.
PFL has already taken steps in widening their global print by securing distribution rights with broadcasters in Russia and India earlier this year, as well as launching its own OTT platform and mobile application.
Now, PFL is looking to make its mark in both Asia and the Middle East, with the help of newly hired Vice President Loren Mack, a communications veteran and long-time top executive who spent nearly a decade in Asia.
“The UFC has done a great job in building the sport of MMA in the region, but the PFL’s model is already resonating with the fans,” Mack told MMA Junkie. “The league format is the international language of sport. Plus, there are many top fighter fighters from Asia that are looking to get on a global stage like the PFL.”
At the beginning of the year, PFL launched International Qualifier Series events in Brazil and Russia, giving fighters a chance to earn a PFL deal and the chance to compete for $1 million. Mack thinks a similar format would work when trying to invest in talent in Asia and the Middle East.
PFL netted some significant new signings this year, including former Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald and former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum as well as well-regarded overseas prospects such as South Korea’s Sung Bin Jo. By signing emerging international talent, Mack thinks PFL can significantly widen their fan base.
“Jo was a big get for us, especially since he’s a big name over in South Korea,” he said. “We want to be able to bring more guys like that over to our roster, because it gives the fans someone from their home country to root for. It’s big for us to be able to go there and put on shows there, definitely. But imagine if we can bring over talents from Thailand, or Indonesia, or Japan, or the Philippines? Imagine if these guys go on to become champions and global superstars? Imagine getting all of those countries behind their fighters, tuning in to the PFL events? That would be massive for us.”
He continued, “With our league format, our ability to build global stars in any region, our distribution, our digital assets, and of course our talented roster of fighters, we can definitely be successful in the Middle East as well.”
After canceling the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PFL is set to return in April for their 2021 season. Mack also stated that the promotion is eyeing Saudi Arabia as a potential location for their tournament championship event, which takes place on New Year’s Eve.
PFL executive Loren Mack talks promotion’s plans to expand to Asia and Middle East
