Riyadh: Saudi fighters participating in the second season of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) MENA Championship, set to take place at Onyx Arena in Jeddah on May 9, expressed their enthusiasm for the event, affirming that their training is progressing as planned so they can deliver results that will satisfy the Saudi audience.
According to Saudi Press Agency, in a news conference held via video call, Ahmed Makki, who is set to fight his final professional bout in Jeddah, stated that he was among the first fighters to take up the sport in the Kingdom. He witnessed the evolution of combat sports and practiced multiple disciplines, including wrestling, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.
He noted that he chose to hold his final bout on home soil, specifically in his hometown of Jeddah, to showcase his skills before his family and fans, adding that this fight would be a valuable addition to his athletic record, following his participation in international and local championships where he achieved his goals.
The fighters unanimously agreed that Saudi Arabia shows great interest in hosting major global sporting events and has become a global hub for combat sports. This, they said, increases the responsibility of Saudi fighters to prove their merit in bouts held on home soil, not merely as participants, but as serious competitors, demonstrating to the world that Saudi sports are advanced and capable of contending in top international championships.
The second season of PFL MENA Championship builds on the success of the inaugural 2024 edition, aiming to spotlight regional talent and create new opportunities for MENA fighters by providing a professional platform that enables them to compete at the highest international levels.
Jeddah has a rich history in mixed martial arts (MMA), having hosted the kingdom's first major event in the sport in 2014. The new season of PFL MENA aims to revive focus on the city's combat sports scene and attract top local and regional fighting talent.