The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the US-based mixed martial arts (MMA) series, has appointed Darragh Moran as commercial director of PFL Europe, its new regional league.

In the role, he will lead brand partnership and activation efforts for PFL’s first international league as it prepares for its inaugural season, beginning in Newcastle, UK, on March 25. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Moran joins PFL from Ball Street Network where he served as commercial director for the sports fan engagement agency.

Previously, he held senior roles at UK-based sports marketing agency Pitch International and the Endeavor co-founded sports tech startup HEED, as well as global talent management agency YMU Group. 

PFL Europe launched towards the back end of last year as a joint venture with international subscription sports streaming service DAZN.

As well as Newcastle, events in the first season will take place in Berlin (Germany) on July 8, Paris (France) on September 30, and Dublin (Ireland) on December 8.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The inaugural campaign will feature 32 fighters from the continent competing across four weight divisions.

Moran said: “I’m thrilled to be joining PFL Europe as we prepare to transform the MMA landscape for fighters and audiences on the continent. Alongside our partners at DAZN, PFL Europe is uniquely positioned with a dynamic platform to reach the sport’s rapidly growing and passionate fan base.”  

Julia Boyadjieva, PFL Europe general manager, added: “Darragh brings a wealth of experience, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the PFL Europe team as we scale our commercial partnerships business.”

Boyadjieva was appointed as general manager in November under a dual role where she’ll also be serving as vice president of international event operations for the wider PFL business.

PFL this week also hired Bryan Calka as its new chief commercial officer.