The Professional Fighters League (PFL) mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion has announced Jerome Mazet as the general manager of PFL MENA, its league in the Middle East set to launch in 2024.
The appointment, which will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, follows an investment by SRJ Sports Investments (SRJ), the sports investment arm of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), to accelerate PFL’s growth in the region, with major events being brought to Saudi Arabia and the wider region as part of the agreement.
PFL MENA is the promotion’s second international expansion league outside of the United States, following the launch of PFL Europe in 2023.
It will provide fighters from across the Middle East and North Africa with the opportunity to earn their place in PFL’s Global Regular Season.
Mazet joins PFL from leading commercial and marketing operations and negotiating all partnership agreements for the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Previously he served as head of sponsorship for Flash Entertainment, Global Marketing Director for Trina Solar, and founder of Mandaray, a sports and entertainment agency in China.
Mazet said: “There is an incredible demand for a premium MMA product in the Middle East and PFL MENA will become a game-changer for fighters, fans, and partners across the region.
“I’m excited to be joining the industry co-leader as we work to revolutionize and professionalize the sport across the globe.”
PFL chief executive Peter Murray added: “We welcome Jerome Mazet as general manager of PFL MENA as we prepare to launch our second international expansion league in 2024.
“The Middle East is now the fight capital of the world and we’re excited about the opportunity to lead the professionalization of the sport of MMA across the region.”
PFL Europe and PFL MENA are two of six regional leagues that the PFL is looking to establish to eventually develop a Champions League-style tournament where the winners compete against each other.
PFL is shown on ESPN/ESPN+ in the US and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.
The PFL also appointed former ESPN marketing executive Chris Blumberg as vice president of global brand around the same time as the ESPN deal was renewed.
