Tag: GFL

Dana White Gives Short Reaction To Host Of UFC Veterans Returning For Global Fight League Launch

The Global Fight League (GFL) recently announced a huge number of additions to its roster ahead of the promotion’s full launch in 2025. Many of the names are familiar to fight fans as a whole host of former UFC fighters, veterans and champions are available to be drafted before the GFL’s team-based season format gets […]

The Global Fight League (GFL) recently announced a huge number of additions to its roster ahead of the promotion’s full launch in 2025. Many of the names are familiar to fight fans as a whole host of former UFC fighters, veterans and champions are available to be drafted before the GFL’s team-based season format gets underway.

Despite this being a major announcement in the MMA landscape, the reaction from a lot of fans wasn’t overly positive because many of the top names that have come to terms with the GFL are fighters that are either in the final years of their careers or seen to be past their primes. Given his previous comments on other promotions that have looked to change the MMA landscape, it’s not surprising that UFC boss Dana White was sceptical to say the least.

Rather than criticizing the GFL, White welcomed them to come and try their hand at mixed martial arts during his post-fight press conference in Tampa this past weekend. With a smirk on his face, he is happy to see how other promotions will attempt to compete and do things differently.

“I actually don’t know anything about it. I saw this all the time, I welcome everybody. Listen, there’s no barrier to get into this sport. I hear a lot of people saying that we ‘don’t do this right’ or we ‘don’t do that right’. Come on in everybody, dive in.”

Though White said that he wasn’t familiar with the promotion’s recent announcement, after having a list of some of the top signings read out to him, he gave his response to hearing some of the names that GFL has acquired. There was a particular emphasis places on the inclusion of Wanderlei Silva who at 48-years old, hasn’t fought since he departed the UFC in 2013 and returned to fight twice in Bellator in 2017 and 2018.

“Fascinating. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Alexander Gustafsson Leaves UFC for New Deals with GFL and BKFC

Alexander Gustafsson Leaves UFC for New Deals with GFL and BKFCAlexander Gustafsson is set to leave the UFC after his manager, Majdi Shammas, confirmed that the promotion agreed to…

Alexander Gustafsson Leaves UFC for New Deals with GFL and BKFC

Alexander Gustafsson is set to leave the UFC after his manager, Majdi Shammas, confirmed that the promotion agreed to release him from his contract. Gustafsson has signed with the Global Fighting League (GFL) on an appealing deal, which provides flexibility for the Swedish fighter to take on other bouts outside of the organization.

Alexander Gustafsson with the GFL

“We asked the UFC to release Alex from his contract. They agreed, and we’re grateful for that,” Shammas told Maximum Sports. The manager added that Gustafsson’s new contract with GFL is an exciting opportunity, with potential for future matches and non-exclusive opportunities. “It’s a very attractive contract, and Alex is free to pick and choose from other bouts as well, which is great for us,” Shammas said.

Shammas also spoke highly of the GFL, calling it an organization with an ambitious team ready to launch in 2025. He described the setup as a hybrid between past leagues like the IFL and today’s PFL tournaments, offering better conditions for athletes.

Alexander Gustafsson with BKFC

As for Gustafsson’s next steps, Shammas confirmed that the fighter has received an enticing offer from BKFC. While a deal has not yet been signed, it’s likely that Gustafsson will join BKFC and face a UFC or Bellator veteran in the near future.

“Alex is in very good shape. He has looked good in training and has gotten his fire back. He is excited and eager for what is to come,” Shammas added.

“The Mauler” Gustafsson is a renowned UFC Light Heavyweight fighter with an 18-8 record, including 11 knockouts. Despite never winning a UFC title, he has earned respect for his performances, including memorable battles against Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier.

‘Washed Fighter Olympics’ – Fans React To Global Fight League Announcing Wanderlei Silva, Frank Mir, & More For 2025 Roster

The Global Fight League (GFL) dropped a major announcement ahead of the promotion’s launch in 2025. GFL founder Darren Owen revealed on The Ariel Helwani show on Wednesday that the promotion have signed a huge amount of fighters to their roster with many being former UFC veterans. GFL looks to stand out from other promotions […]

The Global Fight League (GFL) dropped a major announcement ahead of the promotion’s launch in 2025. GFL founder Darren Owen revealed on The Ariel Helwani show on Wednesday that the promotion have signed a huge amount of fighters to their roster with many being former UFC veterans.

GFL looks to stand out from other promotions by running 15 events next year that will see fighters being drafted to different teams before they compete in a season format. Many of the new signings announced by Owen will be familiar to fight fans with well-known names and former UFC champions like Luke Rockhold, Tyron Woodley, Fabricio Werdum, Anthony Pettis and Frank Mir among many, many others.

The announcement has been met with mixed reactions thus far with some fans taking issue with the team-based format and some of the talent that has joined the promotion. Many of the noteworthy names are fighters towards the end of their careers or in some cases, former competitors that had already announced their retirements.

Not to mention fighters like Wanderlei Silva and Fabricio Werdum who at 48 and 47-years old, recently revealed that they suffered from irreversible brain damage in the antitrust lawsuit against the UFC that has now been settled.

Fight fans gave their response on social media to the catalogue of names that the GFL have signed with six teams drafting 20 fighters from a pool of 300 at the start of the season.

“Bro please read all the names on this list. This is gonna be like the washed fighter Olympics”

“Nice… But Greg Hardy though”

“Rousimar Palhares??”

“Is this real? I know many are older but that is still a pretty insane start to a promotion.”

“Jake Paul will come knocking for his first mma bout with the average age on that roster. And Palhares? Who thought that’d be a good idea?”

“I’m all for more competition but this is a stretch. A lot of older guys with not much left in the tank.”

“*Grandpas Fight League”

“Pretty much all fighters that i would prefer to see stay retired..”

“Is that a retiring league for fighters? Like a home, or something?”