PFL cancels Saudi Arabia fight card amidst continued conflict in Middle East
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 29: Abdullah Al-Qahtani of Saudi Arabia fight against Mervan Belghouit of Morocco in the final bout organized by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 29, 2024. (Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images Despite U. S.
news claiming a truce has been agreed to and a victory in the Middle East secured, there’s still a whole lot of bombs being dropped across the region. That will have consequences around the world as shipping routes remain closed and oil infrastructure gets destroyed … not the least on our little sport of mixed martial arts. Despite a Pakistan-negotiated ceasefire for the entire region being announced on Tuesday night, Wednesday saw reports that Iran had bombed a pipeline that sends Saudi Arabia’s oil exports to the Red Sea.
Israel continues to drop bombs on Lebanon. UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain were also hit by missiles and drones. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
So to say the entire region is still a mess would be an understatement. It’s with that happening in the background that PFL has decided to pull to plug on its MENA 9 event in Khobar, Saudi Arabia that was set for May 8th. تحديث 🚨 تم تأجيل PFL MENA 9 في الخبر pic.
twitter. com/8XCWhEdWUV — PFL MENA (@PFLMENA) April 9, 2026 “PFL MENA 9 in Khobar has been postponed,” a press release from PFL read. “All announced bouts will move forward as part of the 2026 PFL MENA season opener with new event details to be announced soon.