About

In 2009 Alistair founded the FIGHT UK MMA brand. Initially conceived to provide a regulated and safe environment for athletes to compete in an area where this was lacking, Alistair forged one of the most consistent MMA brands in the UK producing over 14 events. Co-existing in an environment which in the UK is unregulated and not recognised by the country’s Government, Alistair has been exposed to all facets of the MMA industry from legislation, marketing, accounting, media, PR & promotion. This experience led to Alistair’s move in 2015 to the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), to head up the International Events department as part of IMMAF’s senior leadership team.

Alistair finds his career rewarding and if asked to describe his job, he would say;

“Helping people to enjoy the events experience, within budget, safely and motivating a team to achieve results’.”

“It’s a profession that requires a very diverse skill set with project management the obvious one. Risk management, production knowledge, strong people skills, contract negotiation, budgeting, and stakeholder management (diplomacy).'“

“Above all the ability to work (cheerfully) under pressure and have a can do attitude to compliment a hard work ethic. The starting point is always to put yourself into the shoes of your spectators or participants. Take the journey with them from buying a ticket, transport to the venue, access to the venue, and to the seat or the starting point. Is there enough information? Are the queues too long? Do staff have the tools to do their job? “

“The overall aim is then to find solutions to problems that might present themselves by being proactive rather than reactive.”

Alistair Pettitt is a highly effective Business Professional with extensive background in the sports industry of Mixed Martial Arts comprising a wealth of knowledge within the realms of sports business, sports events and sports management.

On leaving the FIGHT UK brand as its promoter in January 2015, Alistair worked with leading figures in the UK MMA industry to aid the development of the sport through the United Kingdom Mixed Martial Arts Federation. Heading the Events Sanctioning Committee before his move to IMMAF he worked with leading UK promoters to enable voluntary third party regulation.

In his role as Director of International Events for the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), Alistair has overseen the delivery of all IMMAF nation vs nation competition events since 2015 and is currently staff liaison for IMMAF’s regulatory affairs and championship bidding commissions.

Alistair is an avid lover of Cricket and fan of his home town football club, Leicester City. He has a passion for fishing and spending time with his family. Alistair has recently graduated with the award of distinction for MSc in Sports, Management, Business and Policy at Manchester Metropolitan University.