Form: SC 13G/A

Schedule filed to report acquisition of beneficial ownership of 5% or more of a class of equity securities by passive investors and certain institutions

February 17, 2009

SC 13G/A: Schedule filed to report acquisition of beneficial ownership of 5% or more of a class of equity securities by passive investors and certain institutions

Published on February 17, 2009

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SCHEDULE 13G

Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 1)*

MFA FINANCIAL, INC.
--------------------------------------
(Name of Issuer)


Common Stock, par value $0.01
-------------------------------------
(Title of Class of Securities)


55272X102
-----------------------
(CUSIP Number)


December 31, 2008
-----------------------
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)


Check the appropriate box to designate the rule pursuant to which this Schedule
is filed:

[ ] Rule 13d-1(b)

[X] Rule 13d-1(c)

[ ] Rule 13d-1(d)

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to be "filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the
Notes).


Continued on following pages
Page 1 of 14 Pages


SCHEDULE 13G

CUSIP No.: 55272X102 Page 2 of 14 pages

.................................................................................
1. Names of Reporting Persons.

I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

SAB CAPITAL PARTNERS, L.P.
.................................................................................
2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

(a) [X]

(b) [ ]
.................................................................................
3. SEC Use Only
.................................................................................
4. Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware
.................................................................................
Number of 5. Sole Voting Power - 0 -
Shares ................................................................
Beneficially 6. Shared Voting Power 9,114,725
Owned by Each ................................................................
Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power - 0 -
Person With ................................................................
8. Shared Dispositive Power 9,114,725
.................................................................................
9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

9,114,725
.................................................................................
10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See
Instructions)

[ ]
.................................................................................
11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9)

4.41% based on 206,720,374 shares outstanding.
.................................................................................
12. Type of Reporting Person:

PN


SCHEDULE 13G

CUSIP No.: 55272X102 Page 3 of 14 pages

.................................................................................
1. Names of Reporting Persons.

I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

SAB CAPITAL PARTNERS II, L.P.
.................................................................................
2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

(a) [X]

(b) [ ]
.................................................................................
3. SEC Use Only
.................................................................................
4. Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware
.................................................................................
Number of 5. Sole Voting Power - 0 -
Shares ................................................................
Beneficially 6. Shared Voting Power 179,208
Owned by Each ................................................................
Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power - 0 -
Person With ................................................................
8. Shared Dispositive Power 179,208
.................................................................................
9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

179,208
.................................................................................
10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See
Instructions)

[ ]
.................................................................................
11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9)

0.09% based on 206,720,374 shares outstanding.
.................................................................................
12. Type of Reporting Person:

PN


SCHEDULE 13G

CUSIP No.: 55272X102 Page 4 of 14 pages

.................................................................................
1. Names of Reporting Persons.

I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

SAB OVERSEAS MASTER FUND, L.P.
.................................................................................
2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

(a) [X]

(b) [ ]
.................................................................................
3. SEC Use Only
.................................................................................
4. Citizenship or Place of Organization

Cayman Islands
.................................................................................
Number of 5. Sole Voting Power - 0 -
Shares ................................................................
Beneficially 6. Shared Voting Power 2,567,175
Owned by Each ................................................................
Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power - 0 -
Person With ................................................................
8. Shared Dispositive Power 2,567,175
.................................................................................
9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

2,567,175
.................................................................................
10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See
Instructions)

[ ]
.................................................................................
11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9)

1.24% based on 206,720,374 shares outstanding.
.................................................................................
12. Type of Reporting Person:

PN


SCHEDULE 13G

CUSIP No.: 55272X102 Page 5 of 14 pages

.................................................................................
1. Names of Reporting Persons.

I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

SAB CAPITAL ADVISORS, L.L.C.
.................................................................................
2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

(a) [X]

(b) [ ]
.................................................................................
3. SEC Use Only
.................................................................................
4. Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware
.................................................................................
Number of 5. Sole Voting Power - 0 -
Shares ................................................................
Beneficially 6. Shared Voting Power 11,861,108
Owned by Each ................................................................
Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power - 0 -
Person With ................................................................
8. Shared Dispositive Power 11,861,108
.................................................................................
9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

11,861,108
.................................................................................
10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See
Instructions)

[ ]
.................................................................................
11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9)

5.74% based on 206,720,374 shares outstanding.
.................................................................................
12. Type of Reporting Person:

OO


SCHEDULE 13G

CUSIP No.: 55272X102 Page 6 of 14 pages

.................................................................................
1. Names of Reporting Persons.

I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

SAB CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P.
.................................................................................
2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

(a) [X]

(b) [ ]
.................................................................................
3. SEC Use Only
.................................................................................
4. Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware
.................................................................................
Number of 5. Sole Voting Power - 0 -
Shares ................................................................
Beneficially 6. Shared Voting Power 11,861,108
Owned by Each ................................................................
Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power - 0 -
Person With ................................................................
8. Shared Dispositive Power 11,861,108
.................................................................................
9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

11,861,108
.................................................................................
10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See
Instructions)

[ ]
.................................................................................
11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9)

5.74% based on 206,720,374 shares outstanding.
.................................................................................
12. Type of Reporting Person:

PN


SCHEDULE 13G

CUSIP No.: 55272X102 Page 7 of 14 pages

.................................................................................
1. Names of Reporting Persons.

I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

SAB CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
.................................................................................
2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

(a) [X]

(b) [ ]
.................................................................................
3. SEC Use Only
.................................................................................
4. Citizenship or Place of Organization

Delaware
.................................................................................
Number of 5. Sole Voting Power - 0 -
Shares ................................................................
Beneficially 6. Shared Voting Power 11,861,108
Owned by Each ................................................................
Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power - 0 -
Person With ................................................................
8. Shared Dispositive Power 11,861,108
.................................................................................
9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

11,861,108
.................................................................................
10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See
Instructions)

[ ]
.................................................................................
11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9)

5.74% based on 206,720,374 shares outstanding.
.................................................................................
12. Type of Reporting Person:

OO


SCHEDULE 13G

CUSIP No.: 55272X102 Page 8 of 14 pages

.................................................................................
1. Names of Reporting Persons.

I.R.S. Identification Nos. of above persons (entities only).

SCOTT A. BOMMER
.................................................................................
2. Check the Appropriate Box if a Member of a Group

(a) [X]

(b) [ ]
.................................................................................
3. SEC Use Only
.................................................................................
4. Citizenship or Place of Organization

United States of America
.................................................................................
Number of 5. Sole Voting Power - 0 -
Shares ................................................................
Beneficially 6. Shared Voting Power 11,861,108
Owned by Each ................................................................
Reporting 7. Sole Dispositive Power - 0 -
Person With ................................................................
8. Shared Dispositive Power 11,861,108
.................................................................................
9. Aggregate Amount Beneficially Owned by Each Reporting Person

11,861,108
.................................................................................
10. Check if the Aggregate Amount in Row (9) Excludes Certain Shares (See
Instructions)

[ ]
.................................................................................
11. Percent of Class Represented by Amount in Row (9)

5.74% based on 206,720,374 shares outstanding.
.................................................................................
12. Type of Reporting Person:

IN


Page 9 of 14 pages



Item 1(a). Name of Issuer:

MFA Financial, Inc. (the "Issuer").

Item 1(b). Address of Issuer's Principal Executive Offices:

350 Park Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022

Item 2(a). Name of Person Filing:

This Statement is filed on behalf of each of the following persons
(collectively, the "Reporting Persons"):

i) SAB Capital Partners, L.P. ("SAB");

ii) SAB Capital Partners II, L.P. ("SAB II", and together with
SAB, the "Domestic Partnerships");

iii) SAB Overseas Master Fund, L.P. (the "Master Fund");

iv) SAB Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the "General Partner");

v) SAB Capital Management, L.P. (the "Investment Manager");

vi) SAB Capital Management, L.L.C. (the "IMGP"); and

vii) Scott A. Bommer ("Mr. Bommer").

This Statement relates to Shares (as defined herein) held for the
accounts of each of SAB, SAB II, and the Master Fund. The General Partner serves
as the general partner of each of the Domestic Partnerships and the Master Fund.
The Investment Manager serves as the investment manager of each of the Domestic
Partnerships and the Master Fund. The IMGP serves as the general partner of the
Investment Manager. Mr. Bommer serves as the managing member of each of the
General Partner and the IMGP.

Any disclosures herein with respect to persons other than the
Reporting Persons are made on information and belief after making inquiry to the
appropriate party.

Item 2(b). Address of Principal Business Office or, if None, Residence:

The address of the principal business office of each of the
Reporting Persons is 767 Fifth Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, New York 10153.

Item 2(c). Citizenship:

i) SAB is a Delaware limited partnership;

ii) SAB II is a Delaware limited partnership;


Page 10 of 14 pages

iii) The Master Fund is a Cayman Islands exempted limited
partnership;

iv) The General Partner is a Delaware limited liability company;

v) The Investment Manager is a Delaware limited partnership;

vi) The IMGP is a Delaware limited liability company; and

vii) Mr. Bommer is a citizen of the United States of America.

Item 2(d). Title of Class of Securities:

Common Stock, par value $0.01 (the "Shares")

Item 2(e). CUSIP Number:

55272X102

Item 3. If This Statement is Filed Pursuant to ss.ss.240.13d-1(b) or
240.13d-2(b) or (c), Check Whether the Person Filing is a:

This Item 3 is not applicable.

Item 4. Ownership:

Item 4(a). Amount Beneficially Owned

As of December 31, 2008:

(a) SAB may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 9,114,725
Shares held for its account;

(b) SAB II may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 179,208
Shares held for its account;

(c) The Master Fund may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of
2,567,175 Shares held for its account; and

(d) Each of the General Partner, Investment Manager, the IMGP and
Mr. Bommer may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 11,861,108 Shares held
for the accounts of each of SAB, SAB II, and the Master Fund. This amount
includes: A) 9,114,725 Shares held for the account of SAB; B) 179,208 Shares
held for the account of SAB II; and C) 2,567,175 Shares held for the account of
the Master Fund.

Item 4(b). Percent of Class:

(a) As of December 31, 2008, the number of Shares SAB may be deemed
to be the beneficial owner of constitutes approximately 4.41% of the 206,720,374
total number of Shares outstanding.


Page 11 of 14 pages


(b) As of December 31, 2008, the number of Shares SAB II may be
deemed to be the beneficial owner of constitutes approximately 0.09% of the
206,720,374 total number of Shares outstanding.

(c) As of December 31, 2008, the number of Shares the Master Fund
may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of constitutes approximately 1.24% of
the 206,720,374 total number of Shares outstanding.

(d) As of December 31, 2008, the number of Shares the General
Partner, the Investment Manager, the IMGP and Mr. Bommer may be deemed to be the
beneficial owner of constitutes approximately 5.74% of the 206,720,374 total
number of Shares outstanding.

Item 4(c). Number of Shares of which such person has:

SAB:
- ----

(i) Sole power to vote or direct the vote: 0

(ii) Shared power to vote or direct the vote: 9,114,725

(iii) Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 0

(iv) Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 9,114,725

SAB II:
- -------

(i) Sole power to vote or direct the vote: 0

(ii) Shared power to vote or direct the vote: 179,208

(iii) Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 0

(iv) Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 179,208

The Master Fund:
- ----------------

(i) Sole power to vote or direct the vote: 0

(ii) Shared power to vote or direct the vote: 2,567,175

(iii) Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 0

(iv) Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 2,567,175

The General Partner, Investment Manager, the IMGP and Mr. Bommer:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Sole power to vote or direct the vote: 0

(ii) Shared power to vote or direct the vote: 11,861,108

(iii) Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 0

(iv) Shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of: 11,861,108


Item 5. Ownership of Five Percent or Less of a Class:

This Item 5 is not applicable.


Page 12 of 14 pages



Item 6. Ownership of More than Five Percent on Behalf of Another Person:

This Item 6 is not applicable.

Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired
the Security Being Reported on By the Parent Holding Company:

This Item 7 is not applicable.

Item 8. Identification and Classification of Members of the Group:

See disclosure in Item 2 hereof.

Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group:

This Item 9 is not applicable.

Item 10. Certification:

By signing below each of the Reporting Persons certifies that, to
the best of their knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were
not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing
or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired
and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction
having that purpose or effect.


Page 13 of 14 pages


SIGNATURE

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and
belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true,
complete and correct.

Date: February 17, 2009

/s/ Brian Jackelow
-------------------------------------------
Brian Jackelow, attorney-in-fact for Scott
A. Bommer, individually and (a) as managing
member of SAB Capital Advisors, L.L.C., for
itself and as the general partner of (i)
SAB Capital Partners, L.P.; and (ii) SAB
Capital Partners II, L.P.; and (iii) SAB
Overseas Master Fund, L.P.; and (b) as
managing member of SAB Capital Management,
L.L.C., for itself and as the general
partner of SAB Capital Management, L.P.


Page 14 of 14 pages


EXHIBIT 1

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENT, that I, Scott A. Bommer, hereby
make, constitute and appoint each of Michael Casey, Brian Jackelow and
Alessandro De Giorgis, acting individually, as my agent and attorney-in-fact for
the purpose of executing in my name, (a) in my personal capacity or (b) in my
capacity as managing member of or in other capacities with SAB Capital Advisors,
L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and each of its affiliates or
entities advised or controlled by me or SAB Capital Advisors, L.L.C., all
documents, certificates, instruments, statements, filings and agreements
("documents") to be filed with or delivered to any foreign or domestic
governmental or regulatory body or required or requested by any other person or
entity pursuant to any legal or regulatory requirement relating to the
acquisition, ownership, management or disposition of securities, futures
contracts or other investments, and any other documents relating or ancillary
thereto, including, without limitation, all documents relating to filings with
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,
including, without limitation: (1) all documents relating to the beneficial
ownership of securities required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Section
13(d) or Section 16(a) of the Act, including, without limitation: (a) any
acquisition statements on Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G and any amendments
thereto, (b) any joint filing agreements pursuant to Rule 13d-1(k), and (c) any
initial statements of, or statements of changes in, beneficial ownership of
securities on Form 3, Form 4 or Form 5 and (2) any information statements on
Form 13F required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(f) of the Act.

All past acts of these attorneys-in-fact in furtherance of the
foregoing are hereby ratified and confirmed.

This Power of Attorney shall remain in effect until revoked, in
writing, by the undersigned.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Power of
Attorney, this 9th day of August 2006.


/s/ Scott A. Bommer
--------------------------
Scott A. Bommer