Matthew Ali says the new organisation will provide athletes with a professional pathway while allowing the IBFA UK to retain its amateur identity.
By Gary Chappell
THE IBFA UK has announced the launch of a brand-new professional bodybuilding circuit – the World Pro Circuit (WPC) – with plans to award professional status, offer prize money and expand across Europe from 2027.
Speaking exclusively to Front Double, IBFA UK President Matthew Ali revealed that the WPC has been created to provide a genuine professional pathway for athletes, while allowing the IBFA to remain focused on its role as one of Britain's leading amateur federations.
Amateur focus remains
Ali stressed that the IBFA has no intention of moving away from its amateur roots and that the WPC is a sister organisation, with athletes qualifying through IBFA UK events.
He said: "We've always seen the IBFA as an amateur federation and that's something we want to protect. We don't want to pretend to be something we're not. Our aim is to remain one of the best amateur federations while continuing to improve every year.
"At the same time, we recognise that many athletes want to earn pro status. They want professional opportunities, to travel internationally and represent Team IBFA UK."
Why the WPC was created
Ali continued: "Originally, I was working with the ACP in France. The idea was that we'd support each other by sending athletes to each other's events. I'd already committed to bringing a large UK team to the ACP Universe.
"However, when I asked how many French athletes were coming to our event, I was told there weren't any. At that point I decided I'd still honour my promise and take a team to France, but I wasn't prepared to invest in something that had stopped being a two-way partnership.
"That was really the catalyst for creating our own professional circuit."
The decision to establish the WPC follows months of discussions and planning between Ali and IBFA UK Head Judge Keith Williams.
Ali explained that, although the IBFA recognises the IFBB Professional League as the pathway to the Olympia, many competitors still want opportunities to compete professionally elsewhere.
The WPC has therefore been created as a standalone professional circuit designed to complement rather than replace the amateur federation.
Ali said: "IBFA only recognises IFBB professional status in terms of restricting amateur eligibility because the IFBB remains the route to the Olympia.
"Athletes holding pro cards from other federations are still able to compete as amateurs with IBFA UK, which is the same approach taken by many other federations.
"We didn't want IBFA itself to become a professional federation. Instead, the WPC gives athletes a separate route into professional bodybuilding."
Professional cards will officially launch at the IBFA Mr & Miss Universe on July 12.
Three professional shows planned for 2027
Although still in its infancy, Ali confirmed ambitious plans for the circuit's first full competitive season.
Three professional events are currently planned for 2027:
WPC World Championships (Alicante, Spain)
WPC European Championships (Portugal)
A major UK professional event
He said: "We're already in discussions with other countries and planning our first international professional events.
"The biggest project is a World Championships in Alicante, Spain, next year. I'm currently looking at venues and working with Muscle Finesse, who have been very supportive.
"Everyone who wins their class at our qualifying shows this season will be considered for invitations, while outstanding runners-up may also receive invitations if the standard is high enough."
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the new circuit is prize money. Ali confirmed that professional events will offer financial rewards, with sponsorship already attracting significant interest.
He admitted much of the logistical work remains ongoing, including establishing the WPC's banking arrangements before sponsorship income can officially be accepted.
Learning from established pro leagues
Rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel, Ali said he has been studying established organisations including the PCA and 2 Bros Pro Events.
He said: "I'm looking to learn from top people like the PCA, 2 Bros, anyone who's got a good pro league going."
One area Ali appears particularly passionate about is disability bodybuilding. Having previously introduced disability classes into the IBFA UK programme, he confirmed those athletes will also have opportunities to earn professional status through the WPC.
Plans are also underway to introduce dedicated wheelchair bodybuilding competitions once suitable venues have been secured.
Beyond bodybuilding itself, Ali also revealed ambitions for the organisation to support charitable causes.
Future fundraising initiatives are expected to focus on:
Autism charities
Bereaved children
The causes are both personal to Ali. He said: "Disability bodybuilding is something that's particularly important to me.
"My daughter is non-verbal autistic, so autism awareness and support will become a major part of what we're doing.
"I was the person who originally introduced disability classes into IBFA UK. Since becoming President, those classes have expanded and now feature throughout the qualifying season and at the British Championships.
"The next step is introducing disability professional classes within the WPC. We're also planning a dedicated disability event, including wheelchair bodybuilding. We couldn't introduce wheelchair classes immediately because our existing venues weren't suitable, but we're sourcing venues that can accommodate every athlete properly.
"Nobody should be excluded from bodybuilding.
"Alongside competition, we also want to support charities. Autism is naturally close to my heart because of my daughter.
"I'd also like to support bereaved children. I lost my own father when I was 14, so helping young people access counselling is something I'd like the organisation to contribute towards."
Raising standards
Ali added: "One thing I'm passionate about is raising standards. Whether it's trophies, medals, venues or presentation, I want the WPC to stand out.
"For this year's Universe we've designed new trophies inspired by classic bodybuilding shows from the 1980s.
"The overall men's trophy has been named the Martyn Yates Brown Trophy as a tribute to [former President] Martyn and everything he has done for IBFA."
Front Double verdict
The announcement represents one of the biggest structural changes within the IBFA UK in recent years.
While the WPC remains in its early stages, the promise of professional cards, prize money and international competition offers athletes another route into the professional ranks outside the traditional IFBB system. It also offers athletes another professional option alongside organisations such as the PCA and NABBA, whose own professional league launched this year.
Much work remains before the first professional shows take place but, if Ali delivers on his ambitions, the WPC could become a significant addition to the UK's bodybuilding landscape from 2027 onward.
October 17: 2Bros Pro Events British Finals, Pro Qualifier – Bradford October 17–18 – PCA British Finals & Expo – ICC Telford; UKBFF British Championships – Bedford
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