Beyond the instant occasion, Martin, who was appointed PFL chief govt in July 2025, was clear in regards to the wider significance of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland inside the promotion’s growth plans.
With the UFC absent from the area lately – final staging an occasion in Belfast in 2016 – he believes there’s a clear hole available in the market.
“The UFC’s absence is our opportunity, 100%,” he stated.
Martin pointed to the legacy of Bellator, which the PFL acquired in 2023, as proof of what sustained funding within the area can obtain.
“When a major promotion comes into a region, it energises everything,” he stated.
“Fighters get into gyms believing there’s a pathway to a career, and fighters like Darragh Kelly are benefiting from that previous investment. Our job now is to continue building on it.”
More broadly, the PFL’s international technique has centered on bringing main occasions to markets Martin describes as “underserved” on the highest stage of the game, pointing to current exhibits in Spain, France and the Middle East as examples of that strategy.
“We are the challenger brand,” he added.
“We’re the underdog; that means going to places where there are passionate fans who maybe haven’t had regular access to premium MMA. Belfast fits that perfectly.”
Martin additionally advised a return to the area might comply with later this 12 months if the occasion proves profitable.
“Let’s see how this goes, but I would love the opportunity to come back in the autumn, perhaps to Dublin.”
