PFL
PFL is implementing a wave of roster cuts, which only affects a number of fighters.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the MMA world to a halt. Among those greatly affected is the Professional Fighters League (PFL), which recently suspended its 2020 season.
As an act of goodwill, the organization will pay a monthly stipend to some of their fighters. But that unfortunately won’t apply to another group of competitors, who will actually get booted from the roster.
As MMA Fighting reports, PFL president Ray Sefo sent separate emails to two groups of fighters. One cluster got the good news, while the other had to deal with the unfortunate message.
The manner in which the fighters were selected wasn’t specified. What was brought to light was the amount of money given, which one fighter said was in the $1,000 range.
Below are the two emails sent by Sefo, which was also obtained by MMA Fighting. Here is the email sent to released fighters:
This note is to update you on the status of the 2020 PFL season.
Like all major sports leagues, the Professional Fighters League has been closely monitoring the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been in regular communication with government health authorities, athletic commissions, business partners, the fight community, and major sports leaders to assess all reasonable scenarios for successfully conducting the PFL 2020 season.
After careful consideration, it is clear that the only option to safely complete a full season is to reschedule the PFL season for next year.
This decision, made together with ESPN, is based on numerous factors, including safeguarding the health of the fighters, fans, partners, and event personnel and preserving the integrity of the PFL full sport-season format.
We therefore are providing this notice pursuant to Section 17.3 and/or 17.4 of your Exclusive Promotional Fight Agreement with the PFL that your agreement is terminated and you are formally released to compete elsewhere effective immediately.
We hope that you and your family remain safe and healthy and wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Ray Sefo
And here is the email sent to those who will remain on the roster:
This note is to update you on the status of the 2020 PFL season.
PFL has worked with our media partner ESPN to reschedule the upcoming 2020 Season for Spring 2021, as discussed in the attached press statement.
Like all major sports leagues, the Professional Fighters League has been closely monitoring the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been in regular communication with government health authorities, athletic commissions, business partners, the fight community, and major sports leaders to assess all reasonable scenarios for successfully conducting the PFL 2020 season.
After careful consideration, it is clear that the only option to safely complete a full season is to reschedule the PFL season for next year. This decision, made together with ESPN, is based on numerous factors, including safeguarding the health of the fighters, fans, partners, and event personnel and preserving the integrity of the PFL full sport-season format.
We therefore are providing this notice of force majeure under your Exclusive Promotional Fight Agreement with the PFL to postpone the next Full Season to be rescheduled to start in Spring 2021.
To help support our fighters in these extraordinary times, PFL has set up a program to pay each fighter a monthly cash stipend for the second half of 2020.
This monthly cash payment is a bonus from PFL to fighters and will not need to be repaid or deducted from any future pay. You will receive details about your monthly cash stipend later this week.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ray Sefo or Jim Bramson.
Our thoughts continue to be with all those impacted by COVID-19. We hope that you and your families remain safe and healthy. PFL strives to be a positive influence as we continue to evolve and grow the sport of MMA, and we look forward to emerging together stronger.
Sincerely,
Ray Sefo
The PFL has moved its 2020 season to the Spring of 2021. It will be broadcasted via ESPN’s platforms in the US, and through international media partners in 160 other countries.