The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially appointed Andrew Mikhail as Managing Director of PFL Pacific, marking a major leadership addition to the league’s international expansion. Effective immediately, Mikhail will report to PFL International CEO Peter Murray and the PFL Pacific Board, overseeing league operations, talent development, and commercial strategy across Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Pacific region.

Mikhail arrives with a strong commercial pedigree from his time as Chief Commercial Officer at the Parramatta Eels of the National Rugby League (NRL), where he helped transform the club’s consumer and revenue performance through innovation in marketing, digital content, customer engagement, and data strategy.

“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,” said Mikhail. “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.”

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Before his tenure in rugby league, Mikhail held senior roles with top international companies like American Express and Singtel Optus, where he led business development and strategic partnerships across the Asia-Pacific.

As PFL Pacific Managing Director, Mikhail will drive the league’s commercial growth, operations, media strategy, and fighter development, ensuring the PFL’s long-term footprint across Oceania. His appointment reflects the PFL’s vision to develop a self-sustaining MMA ecosystem built around elite athletes, regional talent pipelines, and broadcast innovation.

“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,” said Peter Murray. “His leadership will be instrumental as we deepen our investment in the Pacific region.”

PFL Pacific becomes the fourth international PFL league, following successful launches in Europe, MENA, and Africa. With its inaugural tournament slated for 2026 and a landmark media partnership with Stan Sport, 9Now, and the 9Network, PFL Pacific is poised to become the premier MMA destination in Oceania.