The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has unveiled a unique winner’s belt that has been specially produced for the first-ever PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions MMA event to be staged in Riyadh this weekend.
Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL, and Danny Townsend, CEO of SRJ Sports Investments, today spoke with local and international media ahead of the showpiece event which will see an unprecedented fight card of the best international fighters square off at The Kingdom Arena on Saturday.
Adding to the anticipation, a beautifully crafted winner’s belt with custom-made ring was revealed for the first time.
“We commissioned the NFL’s Superbowl ring maker to make the first-ever combat sport champion of champion’s ring,” said Murray.
“Fans should think of this event as the annual all-star match for the sport of MMA. We thought it was appropriate to recognize the champions with an incredible belt. It was befitting to have a custom ring made for it as well.
“Fighters can now take a piece of the belt with them wherever they go. This belt is quite possibly the best belt we’ve ever made, and we are so proud of it.”
The build-up to the event has moved into overdrive, with tickets selling fast. PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions will see Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, make his professional MMA debut. Claressa Shields, a multiple-time boxing world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, also returns to the PFL SmartCage to face Kelsey DeSantis on the undercard.
ABOUT RIYADH SEASON:
Saudi Arabia’s capital embraces one of the world’s biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. For more information, please contact Riyadh Season Media Center via email: media@riyadhseason.sa
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE:
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator. Founded in 2018, PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SRJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sports business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
ABOUT SRJ SPORTS INVESTMENTS:
SRJ (/Surge/) Sports Investments is a leading sports investor, wholly owned by PIF, and established to develop a world-class sports sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond. SRJ Sports Investments focuses on driving sustainable investment across technology, media, programming, IP rights, and commercialization of venues – serving the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region.
