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| (Image Source: LinkedIn/United Combat League) |
The United Combat League (UCL) has officially announced its launch as the newest team-based professional mixed martial arts league, aiming to modernize regional and mid-market MMA through a structured, sustainable, and fan-driven model. Co-founded by Gabriel Blinder who serves as Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer alongside Michael Abul as Co-Founder and Head of League Operations, UCL introduces a city-based franchise system that blends elite competition, disciplined economics, and digital-first fan engagement.
Launching in partnership with Critical Sports and Entertainment (CSE) where Blinder also serves as Founder and CEO, the UCL will feature city-based teams, seasonal competition, and a playoff-driven championship structure designed to foster regional rivalries while prioritizing long-term growth and operational stability. “The United Combat League is built for longevity. We’re focused on strong unit economics, regional fan bases, and creating a platform where fighters, teams, and partners all benefit. Team-based MMA remains largely untapped, and we believe this model can redefine how fans engage with the sport,” said Blinder. From a commercial standpoint, UCL’s structure is designed to provide scalable opportunities for sponsors and media partners. CSE Chief Revenue Officer Brad Howard added, “From a commercial standpoint, UCL is uniquely positioned. The team-based format creates repeatable inventory for sponsors, clearer storytelling for brands, and a scalable revenue model that works at the regional level before national expansion. That combination is rare in combat sports.”
Leadership Built On Combat Sports And Business Experience
Blinder brings extensive experience in launching and scaling live sports properties across combat sports and basketball with a focus on disciplined growth, institutional partnerships, and long-term infrastructure development. Under his leadership, CSE has assembled a robust executive and advisory bench spanning professional sports, media, and private equity — principles that now form the strategic foundation of UCL. Abul adds decades of experience across combat sports, global business, and investment. A founding investor in Paradigm Sports which is the agency behind Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping, Tony Ferguson, and Israel Adesanya, Abul has played a significant role in elite athlete representation and the commercialization of combat sports at scale. His background includes international real estate investment, global government contracting, MMA apparel distribution across the GCC, and leadership roles in combat sports manufacturing and branding — including Tough Prints, once the largest screen-printing company in combat sports. Abul’s personal journey, shaped by military service during Operation Desert Storm and years of hands-on experience in MMA, wrestling, and boxing, influences UCL’s operational philosophy and competitive standards. “UCL represents the kind of league that should exist in today’s MMA ecosystem. A league built with structure, respect for athletes, and a clear path to sustainable growth,” said Abul.
Advisory Support And Strategic Backing
Through its partnership with CSE, UCL is supported by an experienced advisory board that will assist with league strategy, commercialization, and long-term growth initiatives. The board includes Michael Dates, Bart Wiley, Stuart Spears, and John Dewey, bringing expertise from organizations such as Endeavor (WME), the Tennessee Titans, the Seattle Sounders FC, and ALK Capital. This advisory group provides league-level operating experience and institutional rigor to support UCL’s launch and continued development.
What’s Next For UCL
The United Combat League plans to debut with an initial slate of city-based teams and host a United Combat League Showcase Event toward the end of 2026, serving as the league’s first public unveiling ahead of broader seasonal competition.
