Professional Fighters League founder Donn Davis has predicted a “historic” night ahead of the first Mixed Martial Arts event to take place in Saudi Arabia.

PFL’s title holders go up against belt holders from Bellator in a never-seen-before night of champions in Riyadh on Saturday.

This comes after the PFL acquired Bellator in November 2023.

Davis is relishing the opportunity of becoming the first MMA promotion to tie a deal with the sovereign state in a sold out event.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Davis said: “It’s historic. It’s the first-ever MMA event to take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we get to be a part of something historic in sport.

“I think Saudi Arabia is the future of combat sports.

“We’re a company of yes and there is another company out there who is the company of no and they can do what they want. We try to do things different and put the fans first.

“It’s a big deal, this is our first primetime event and media deal on ESPN. Acquiring Bellator has also been a big deal and now this is a big step in us becoming a co-leader in MMA and we’re excited for Saturday.

“This is a collaboration between our partners in Saudi Arabia and us at the PFL.”

The inaugural event will feature the likes of PFL’s Ray Cooper III, Thiago Santos and Clay Collard as well as Bellator’s Patricio Pitbull, Yoel Romero, Ryan Bader and Johnny Eblen.

Davis compared the format to an NBA All-Star game, insisting PFL’s putting the fans first mindset helped create the idea.

“We wanted to do the first event in Saudi but only if it was a great big event,” Davis added.

“We came up with an idea which has never been done before in combat sports. Champions against champions. PFL v Bellator.

“It’s like an All-Stars game which has real stakes where the players and athletes really care.

“We have big prize money with an extra belt where there’s a ring inside the belt. This is a big card with 12 current or former champions, six ultra champion bouts, this has never been done before.

“People are asking what if all the Bellator fighters win? Then they all win. We try and do things the fans want to see.”

PFL have worked alongside Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh, who has helped put on major boxing events including the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

When asked about his experience of working with leading figures in Saudi, Davis said: “Everybody here. Turki, the minister of sport (Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal), the PIF team, they all want to win and excel and that is the shared value. It’s been a pleasure.”

Hamzah Sheeraz says his fight against Liam Williams is a “must win” for both as he looks to avoid a slip-up on Saturday.

The 18-0-0 Sheeraz, who celebrated a second-round stoppage over Ukrainian Dmytro Mytrofanov in August, continues his impressive run against experienced 31-year-old Williams.

The Slough fighter insists he must get the job done at the Copper Box Arena if he is to continue his world title bid.

“It’s a must win for both of us,” Sheeraz told the PA news agency.

“I can’t afford to slip up. The sacrifices I’ve made are more than an average fighter would make. It would be disrespectful to my team if I slip up.

“My aspirations and plans are too big to be losing. It all comes down to how I can display my work in camp on fight night.

“I’ve done that for 18 fights and hopefully 19 will be on the way.

“This can give me endless opportunities. I can fight for a world title, I can fight for a British title, face the likes of Chris Eubank Jr.

“Once you get through a fight like this in flying colours then the doors are open.”

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Williams was accused of being a “dirty fighter” by Eubank Jr in the build-up to his unanimous decision defeat to the Brighton boxer in 2022.

The Welshman has since bounced back, picking up two victories over the relatively unknown Nizar Trimech and Florin Cardos.

Sheeraz talked up his upcoming opponent’s attributes and believes he needs to stay disciplined.

“He’s experienced and he’s fought for world titles,” Sheeraz added.

“He’s tough, he’s rugged, he’s someone who has almost won world titles and he’s proven. He’s going to be confident for sure.

“I need to stay disciplined and not get involved emotionally. Once you get involved emotionally then you’re playing into your opponent’s hands.”

Sheeraz has eyed a potential bout in Saudi Arabia in 2024, insisting now is the best time to be a boxer.

He said: “I want a good performance on February 10 and then I want a fight out in Saudi and to become well known out there.

“It’s probably the best time to be involved in boxing. Especially with the money in it, the promoters working together, the platform, it’s all at its peak.”