The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the international mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion, has appointed Andrew Mikhail as managing director of its new PFL Pacific regional league.
He will report to Peter Murray, the CEO of PFL International, and the PFL Pacific board, overseeing all league operations, commercial growth, and talent development in the region.
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Mikhail will lead the league’s expansion across Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Pacific region, driving the PFL’s commercial strategy, operations, media partnerships, and fighter development.
He was previously the chief commercial officer at the Parramatta Eels, spending six years with the Australian National Rugby League club.
Before his role at the Eels, Mikhail held senior commercial positions across the Asia-Pacific with global brands including American Express and Singtel Optus.
Murray said: “Andrew is a seasoned executive with a deep understanding of the local sports market and an impressive track record of growing fan and partner engagement.
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By GlobalData“His leadership will be instrumental as we deepen our investment in the Pacific region and continue to deliver the most accessible and elite MMA product ever seen in this part of the world.”
Mikhail added: “MMA is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and the Pacific region is home to elite talent, passionate fans, and a growing appetite for premium fight experiences.
“We’re here to build a sustainable, world-class fight league that champions local athletes and brings premium fight content to audiences across the region.”
PFL Pacific is the fourth international league launched by the MMA series, following expansions into Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.
The promotion’s latest regional competition was launched in May, backed by a media partnership with commercial broadcaster Nine in Australia, which will provide coverage across its Stan Sport, 9Now, and 9Network platforms.
The inaugural PFL Pacific tournament is set to debut in 2026.
Earlier this month, the PFL announced a significant restructuring of its senior leadership team, appointing experienced media executive John Martin as its new chief executive.
Murray has transitioned to the role of CEO of PFL International, where he will lead the launch and growth of the promotion’s international leagues. Murray will report directly to Martin in this expanded global structure.
Earlier this year, PFL appointed Scott Aronsky as CFO to bolster its management team. His hiring came quickly after Darren Russell was announced as PFL’s new international director of marketing digital and content.
Other appointments made over the past year include Chris Kaiser as head of global productions and content operations, Mark Loewinger as vice president of event marketing, ticket sales, and touring in North America, and Damian Willoughby as head of global partnerships.
