2026 PFL Mena Season Launches May 8 In Khobar
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced that the 2026 PFL MENA will officially kick off on May 8, 2026 in Dhahran Expo, Khobar, Saudi Arabia, continuing the league’s commitment to showcasing the very best mixed martial arts talent from across the Middle East and North Africa. Tickets for the event will be available here today 12 February, starting at 6PM AST.
The third season of the tournament will feature the Middle East’s best fighters from the FEATHERWEIGHT, LIGHTWEIGHT, and WELTERWEIGHT divisions, alongside a slate of high-profile showcase bouts featuring the region’s fastest-rising stars.
Headlining the season opening card will be the return of Salah Eddine Hamli, the reigning 2025 PFL MENA Lightweight Champion, as he steps back into the cage looking to launch another dominant campaign. Hamli’s championship pedigree and growing fanbase make him a centerpiece of PFL MENA’s continued growth, and his return sets the tone for what promises to be the league’s most competitive season yet.
Ahmed Albrahim will make his long-awaited professional debut in a featured welterweight bout. A native of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Albrahim will turn pro in front of his hometown fans and family — a key reason PFL selected Khobar to host the Season 3 opener. His debut represents a milestone moment for local MMA and underscores PFL MENA’s mission to create pathways for homegrown talent to shine on a global stage.
Adding further regional star power, Bahrain MMA legend Hamza Kooheji will officially enter the 2026 PFL MENA Featherweight Tournament and make his promotional debut on the May 8 card. One of Bahrain’s most accomplished and recognized fighters, Kooheji’s inclusion is expected to draw strong support from neighboring Bahrain, reinforcing Khobar as a strategic host city capable of uniting fans from across the Gulf.
“We are committed to building PFL MENA where the passion for MMA is strongest,” said Jerome Mazet, General Manager of PFL MENA. “Our desire is to be where the fans are, and that’s exactly why we selected Khobar to kick off PFL MENA’s third season. Between Salah’s return, Ahmed making his professional debut in front of his home crowd, and the opportunity to welcome Bahraini fans supporting Hamza Kooheji, this event represents everything PFL MENA stands for: regional pride, elite competition, and unforgettable moments.”
With three divisions in tournament competition and a lineup featuring champions, hometown debuts, and regional icons, the 2026 PFL MENA is poised to elevate Middle Eastern MMA to even greater heights.
Additional fights and event details will be announced in the coming weeks.
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