Undoubtedly the biggest MMA event of the weekend sees the PFL host the most significant night in the history of the promotion to date. Battle Of The Giants sees the promotion’s biggest ever signing, the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, make his long awaited debut. His fight with Renan Ferreira is the real draw […]
Undoubtedly the biggest MMA event of the weekend sees the PFL host the most significant night in the history of the promotion to date. Battle Of The Giants sees the promotion’s biggest ever signing, the former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, make his long awaited debut.
The main card in particular features several homerun match-ups from the promotion that really shows the strength of the roster and how much it has improved since the Bellator acquisition.
As they prepare for a massive night of fights in Riyadh, PFL CEO Peter Murray spoke about the card in a recent interview with MMA Junkie. In his opinion, Saturday’s event is the clear winner for the biggest and baddest event of 2024 in the MMA world.
He specifically referenced how it stacks up when you compare this weekend’s card to the likes of UFC 300 and UFC 306 which would also be in the same conversation. There was criticism from some fans of both of those events for not having the kinds of cards that would live up to the high expectations on paper.
In hindsight, it’s fair to say that both produced pretty special nights this year, even if some of the big fights at UFC 306 weren’t the most entertaining. Regardless, Murray believes that Battle Of The Giants stands tall not only next to any PFL event, but any MMA event that has taken place this year.
“This is the biggest event of absolutely the PFL company history and the biggest event of the year and, you know, I’m looking forward to stacking this up against, when you look at the cards from UFC 300, The Sphere, but like as it relates to the card, this fight, this event on October 19, biggest of the year, second to none.”
When YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul does finally enter the cage for his first taste of mixed martial arts action, it’ll be against a “very, very credible” opponent. That’s according to Professional Fighters League CEO Peter Murray, who recently addressed Paul’s long-discussed planned venture to the multifaceted sport, which was promised when the ex-Disney star signed with […]
When YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul does finally enter the cage for his first taste of mixed martial arts action, it’ll be against a “very, very credible” opponent.
That’s according to Professional Fighters League CEO Peter Murray, who recently addressed Paul’s long-discussed planned venture to the multifaceted sport, which was promised when the ex-Disney star signed with the PFL 20 months ago.
Thus far into his combat sports tenure, “The Problem Child” has made a splash in the ring, largely by getting the better of veteran MMA fighters like Anderson Silva, Nate Diaz, and Tyron Woodley.
With that, a crossover to MMA has slipped from the surface. But the PFL evidently remains confident of that coming to fruition. If and when it does, the promotion doesn’t plan on having Paul face a low-level foe…
Peter Murray Provides Update On Jake Paul’s MMA Venture: ‘Not Easy To Cross Over…’
During an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Murray briefly spoke about the status of Paul’s MMA plans, insisting that the Cleveland native remains committed to testing his skills inside the SmartCage.
When he does, many appear to be expecting “The Problem Child” to throw down with a fighter of similar inexperience when it comes to MMA. But Murray dismissed that notion, instead stating that Paul will face “credible” competition from the jump.
“(There’s) plenty of options…and Jake is committed to fighting a very, very credible, well-rounded MMA fighter, and (it’s) not easy to do,” Murray said. “Not easy to cross over from boxing into MMA. You know, the crossover from MMA or other disciplines into boxing is a lot easier.”
Paul has posted comments and footage related to MMA training on social media for a number of years. But although a signing with the PFL in January 2023 appeared set to pave the way for a debut in the sport that year, “The Problem Child’s” combat sports action remains isolated to the ring as it stands.
It doesn’t appear that the PFL higher-ups are on the same page when it comes to undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev. Prior to the UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester last month, Mokaev appeared to be in prime position to secure a shot at Alexandre Pantoja’s 125-pound gold. Many suggested all that was required was a […]
It doesn’t appear that the PFL higher-ups are on the same page when it comes to undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev.
Prior to the UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester last month, Mokaev appeared to be in prime position to secure a shot at Alexandre Pantoja’s 125-pound gold. Many suggested all that was required was a victory over Manel Kape at the Co-op Live.
After a dramatic fight week that included him sucker-punching his opponent outside a hotel, “The Punisher” had his hand raised in a three-round fight that certainly underdelivered given the pair’s apparent animosity.
Mokaev was the subject of plenty of criticism online for his fight style, but the bad news didn’t end there for the 23-year-old, with UFC CEO Dana White surprising many by revealing the promotion wouldn’t be offering the Dagestan-born Brit a new contract.
White cited antics behind the scenes that rubbed Hunter Campbell and the matchmakers the wrong way as the reason behind letting Mokaev go, and it initially appeared that the Professional Fighters League had been put off by that.
That sentiment appeared to be backed up by ex-Bellator matchmaker Mike Kogan, who was among those who crossed over to the PFL following the promotion’s acquisition of his former employer.
But one man does appear interested — the PFL CEO, no less…
Peter Murray Sees ‘Opportunity’ With Muhammad Mokaev After UFC Exit
Peter Murray recently spoke with Sherdog ahead of the PFL’s press conference for Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira and final playoff event at The Anthem in Washington D.C. this week.
The promotion’s CEO discussed his desire to open up more divisions for future PFL seasons, including a flyweight class. And in terms of who could spearhead a 125-pound roster down, Murray pointed to a talent virtually branded persona non grata by his fellow PFL executives.
“I do think the flyweight category is something we will be getting into in the future,” Murray said. “I know our guys are looking at it. You look at fighters like Muhammad Mokaev; he’s a 13-0 flyweight from Dagestan. This kid has the second-longest winning streak in UFC flyweight history. He was 23-0 as an amateur. When I look at a kid like that, that’s an opportunity.
“Whether it’s Muhammad coming into the PFL system in one of our franchises, whether that be the global season or Bellator, and others like him, I think it’s a real opportunity — in particular with international talent in the flyweight weight class,” Murray continued. “Muhammad is the real deal; a lot of respect for him.”
Donn Davis, you got a third answer to the Mokaev question?
It didn’t take long for Mokaev to take notice of Murray’s positive comments, seemingly enjoying seeing Sefo’s dismissive remarks quickly contradicted.
In March this year, the PFL pulled off what many did not expect. Kayla Harrison, arguably MMA’s biggest female star, was persuaded to remain with the promotion despite lucrative offers from both the UFC and Bellator. It was a watershed moment for the PFL, signaling its growing power within the MMA landscape and newfound ability…
In March this year, the PFL pulled off what many did not expect. Kayla Harrison, arguably MMA’s biggest female star, was persuaded to remain with the promotion despite lucrative offers from both the UFC and Bellator.
It was a watershed moment for the PFL, signaling its growing power within the MMA landscape and newfound ability to compete with the big boys. The promotion, which was established upon the ashes of the World Series of Fighting just five years ago, now appears to be on a growth trajectory that could see it soon surpass Bellator as the number two name in MMA.
But if you ask PFL CEO Peter Murray, it already has.
“By a number of metrics, we’re the number two,” he told The MMA Hour earlier this month.
Murray, a former high-ranking executive at the NFL and UFC owner Endeavour Group, believes the PFL’s combination of top talent and broadcast partnerships with the likes of ESPN now make it second only to the UFC.
“How I value it; number one, it’s the quality of the production,” he continued. “Two, caliber of fighters and exciting fights. Three, distribution.”
So, is Murray right in saying the PFL has now surpassed Bellator? And can it ever become as big as the UFC?
PFL CEO Peter Murray awards Kayla Harrison with $1 million for winning the 2021 PFL Women’s Lightweight Tournament (Cooper Neill / PFL)
PFL Fighters Might Be Better Than You Think
Talent development, says Murray, is one of the key focus areas for the PFL. And the promotion’s strategy is to continually inject new talent into its roster.
“What I love about our format, the product’s fresh every year. Forty-five percent of the roster, new fighters,” said Murray on The MMA Hour. “One of the key KPI’s for us is, a minimum of 25 to 30 percent of the roster, to ensure that their rankings are in the top 25 in the sport.”
Perhaps the most notable inflow of talent has been from the UFC. And despite many considering the PFL a step down in competition, it’s not uncommon to see UFC fighters beaten by the promotion’s mainstays.
Former UFC featherweight Jeremy Stephens became the latest this month, losing to Clay Collard in what was an absolute war that surely converted many UFC fans to the PFL. It must be noted, however, that the 35-year-old Stephens is hardly in his prime, having been cut by the UFC after losing five of his last six fights.
But then there’s Anthony Pettis, who after defeating Donald Cerrone and Alex Morono in the UFC, has lost both of his fights since joining the PFL in 2021. Rory MacDonald, both a Bellator and UFC alum, has been similarly tested in the PFL. Additionally, former UFC-turned-PFL heavyweights Fabricio Werdum and Klidson Abreu have found it harder than expected to get their first win in the promotion.
The PFL Is Making Moves To Expand Its Fanbase and Talent Pool
One of the key strengths of the PFL over Bellator, and one that Murray highlights regularly, is the promotion’s distribution through the world’s biggest broadcasters.
In 2019, the PFL followed in the UFC’s footsteps by becoming a broadcast partner of ESPN. But while it’s yet to stage pay-per-view events, Murray says the PFL’s championship event this year will “100 percent” be a pay-per-view event. And next year, he says the pay-per-view structure will expand.
“Then we’ll launch a pay-per-view division in 2023 and we’re working on those details right now, including [signing] some fighters who are in our view and [are of] pay-per-view stature,” Murray told The MMA Hour.
Challenger Series 3 at the Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, Friday, March 4, 2022. (Cooper Neill / PFL)
But perhaps the biggest potential game-changer for the PFL is Challenger Series—the promotion’s answer to the UFC’s Contender Series, which launched this year. Like it’s UFC counterpart, the Challenger Series gives up-and-coming fighters the chance to compete for a PFL contract.
This means they have the chance to potentially make $1 million within a year, thanks to the generous compensation offered by the PFL’s seasonal tournament structure. For many, this is a refreshing change from the remuneration practices of the UFC, who are notorious for paying their new talent relative peanuts.
The Challenger Series hasn’t all gone to plan, however. Earlier this month, it was flagged for suspicious betting activity after the PFL announced that the final event of the series would be broadcast live, but was later discovered to be pre-recorded.
The PFL Aims To Capitalize On MMA’s Growing Popularity
Despite the PFL still lacking several divisions offered by the UFC and Bellator, including middleweight and bantamweight, the promotion seems to have all the ingredients to challenge the big boys. And while Murray believes the PFL has already surpassed Bellator, challenging the UFC’s near-monopolistic hold on the MMA market is another thing entirely.
But Murray believes the PFL will only continue to grow and prosper alongside the UFC, thanks to the ever-expanding global MMA fanbase.
“Our thesis and why we launched the PFL four years ago; there’s room for more than one leader in the sport,” he told The MMA Hour. “600 million fans. This is Nielson data; three years ago, 400 million fans. So, in three years’ time, you have fan growth around the world of 200 million. So, it’s the third-largest fan base in all of sports, behind soccer and basketball, it’s the fastest-growing, it’s the youngest of all major sports in terms of the fans, and half of this fan base is not watching stick and ball sports.”
PHOTO: PFL
Murray says that the PFL’s goal isn’t necessarily to steal fans away from the UFC. By having a tournament-based structure, the promotion is simply offering them a different experience and more fights.
“So [MMA fans are] underserved; they want access to more premium MMA content and fights,” said Murray. “For the PFL, that is simply our business thesis, we’re fulfilling that demand with a quality product, with great fighters, and a differentiated experience.”
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has decided to reschedule the 2020 season. In a press release from the promotion, it was stated that the 2020 season will be “rescheduled for spring 2021.” Given the timing of the global pandemic and the season fo…
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has decided to reschedule the 2020 season. In a press release from the promotion, it was stated that the 2020 season will be “rescheduled for spring 2021.” Given the timing of the global pandemic and the season format the PFL has become known for, it seems to be the safest […]
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has signed a new multi-platform distribution agreement for 2018 with NBC Sports Group and Facebook. The new deal will bring the action from the PFL to nearly 300-million fans worldwide on platforms such as cable t…
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has signed a new multi-platform distribution agreement for 2018 with NBC Sports Group and Facebook. The new deal will bring the action from the PFL to nearly 300-million fans worldwide on platforms such as cable television, tablets, smart phones and other connected devices. The world’s only major MMA league, which […]
