Tag: pfl

PFL Announces Dates & Venue For Opening Events Of New ‘World Tournament’ Format

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has laid out the schedule for the first phase of its inaugural “World Tournament” in 2025. PFL will be shaking things up this year after a 2024 that was marred by fighter complaints and a largely unsuccessful merger with the Bellator MMA roster. Over a year on from the acquisition, […]

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has laid out the schedule for the first phase of its inaugural “World Tournament” in 2025.

PFL will be shaking things up this year after a 2024 that was marred by fighter complaints and a largely unsuccessful merger with the Bellator MMA roster. Over a year on from the acquisition, the promotion has decided to eliminate the Bellator brand moving forward.

And that’s far from the only major shift in strategy entering 2025. The PFL will also be abandoning its season and playoff format after many had questioned its sustainability. Instead of that, Grand Prix-style tournaments will take place across eight divisions, with $500,000 prize money going to each winner.

The full list of fighters in each weight category is yet to be finalized, but this the week the organization has revealed the dates and venue for the opening events.

In a press release on Tuesday, the PFL announced that the “World Tournament” will begin with first-round bouts across four events on the backlot of Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, Florida on April 3, April 11, April 18 and May 1.

The annual single-elimination format will feature brackets at heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, bantamweight and women’s flyweight.

The tournament, which will air on ESPN in the United States and DAZN in Canada and across Europe, will span five months, with fighters requiring three wins to be crowned victor.

In another change, elbows will be permitted in all bouts.

Universal Studios Florida Hosts First Round of PFL World Tournament in April

Universal Studios Florida Hosts First Round of PFL World Tournament in AprilThe PFL has revealed the first four dates for its 2025 World Tournament, which will take place at Universal…

Universal Studios Florida Hosts First Round of PFL World Tournament in April

The PFL has revealed the first four dates for its 2025 World Tournament, which will take place at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. The events are scheduled for April 3, April 11, April 18, and May 1, offering fans an opportunity to experience live MMA action on the backlot of the theme park.

PFL in 2025

The PFL World Tournament is a single-elimination competition featuring eight weight classes: Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Women’s Flyweight.

Sixty-four fighters from around the world will compete over five months to claim the title of PFL Tournament Champion. The format requires fighters to win three consecutive bouts to secure victory, with total prize money exceeding $20 million, including a $500,000 bonus for each champion.

The first round and semi-final matches will consist of three five-minute rounds, while the finals will feature five five-minute rounds. Notably, fighters are now permitted to use elbows during matches.

The main cards for the first four events will air as follows:

  • April 3: Live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET
  • April 11: Live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 11:30 p.m. ET
  • April 18: Live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET
  • May 1: Live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET

The tournament will be broadcast live in the U.S. on ESPN platforms and streamed globally in 190 countries via 20 media partners. Canadian and European audiences can watch the action on DAZN.

Additional tournament dates and the full roster of competitors will be announced soon. Tickets for these events will be available starting Wednesday, February 19.

Stipe Miocic Boldy Names Francis Ngannou “Baddest Man on the Planet” Snubbing Jon Jones

Stipe Miocic Names Francis Ngannou "Baddest Man on the Planet" Over Jon JonesStipe Miocic recently weighed in on the debate about who holds the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet”…

Stipe Miocic Names Francis Ngannou "Baddest Man on the Planet" Over Jon Jones

Stipe Miocic recently weighed in on the debate about who holds the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet” between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Miocic is a former UFC heavyweight champion who acknowledged the unique strengths of both fighters but ultimately named Ngannou as the current “Baddest Man on the Planet.”

Stipe Miocic Names Francis Ngannou Over Jon Jones

Stipe Miocic’s comments come amidst ongoing fan debates about the legacies of Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou. Jones, who recently defended his UFC heavyweight title with dominant performances, has been celebrated for his longevity in MMA. Meanwhile, Francis Ngannou, who now competing in the PFL after vacating the UFC heavyweight title, remains a feared figure due to his knockout power and high-profile boxing matches.

Miocic praised Francis Ngannou for his devastating power and continuous improvement, describing him as a fighter who always comes prepared with a game plan. However, he also highlighted Jon Jones’ exceptional skills, calling him “one of the best of all time, if not the best,” and noting Jones’ intelligence. Miocic speculated that a fight between the two would be a tough matchup, with Jon Jones needing to maintain distance and utilize his grappling to succeed. On the other hand, he noted that if Ngannou landed cleanly, it could be decisive.

Francis Ngannou PFL
Photo by Tim Wheaton

Speaking to The Schmo, Stipe Miocic explained:

“Francis has great power and is getting better every fight but Jones is one of the best of all time, if not the best, he’s smart real tricky. With Francis, he always comes with a gameplan but he has thunder in his fists. It’s a tough fight, if Jon keeps the distance I think he will do well to get him down the ground but if Francis connects…all over.“

Ultimately, who is the baddest man on the planet? He answered:

“Francis Ngannou.”

Jon Jones’ legendary run in the UFC Light Heavyweight division began in 2011 when he became the youngest champion in UFC history at age 23 by defeating the legendary Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua. Over his two title reigns, Jones amassed a record-breaking number of title defenses, wins, and longest win streak in the division, solidifying himself as one of MMA’s all-time greats. Despite controversies and suspensions, he returned to reclaim his dominance multiple times. In 2023 after a three-year hiatus, Jones transitioned to heavyweight and captured the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

Francis Ngannou rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most feared heavyweights in MMA. After joining the UFC in 2015, Ngannou quickly climbed the ranks with devastating knockouts before claiming the UFC Heavyweight Championship in 2021 by defeating Stipe Miocic via second-round KO. He successfully defended his title against Ciryl Gane before departing the UFC for the PFL in 2023. Ngannou also ventured into boxing, facing Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated bout where he lost via controversial split decision but impressed fans by knocking Fury down.

As Stipe Miocic’s recent comments highlight, both fighters bring unique strengths to the table, leaving fans divided on who truly reigns supreme in the heavyweight landscape. The debate over who holds the title of “Baddest Man on the Planet” continues to split the MMA world.

Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira
Photo by Tim Wheaton

BKFC President On Potential Ben Rothwell vs. Francis Ngannou Fight: ‘[PFL] Don’t Want To Partner With Us’

BKFC founder David Feldman isn’t holding much hope of the PFL allowing heavyweight star Francis Ngannou to answer Ben Rothwell’s recent callout. Rothwell has enjoyed a fruitful stint in bare-knuckle boxing since his lengthy tenure in the UFC reached its conclusion after 17 fights back in 2021. “Big Ben” has amassed a 4-0 record under […]

BKFC founder David Feldman isn’t holding much hope of the PFL allowing heavyweight star Francis Ngannou to answer Ben Rothwell’s recent callout.

Rothwell has enjoyed a fruitful stint in bare-knuckle boxing since his lengthy tenure in the UFC reached its conclusion after 17 fights back in 2021. “Big Ben” has amassed a 4-0 record under the BKFC banner with nothing but knockouts.

His latest victory was at last month’s KnuckleMania V event in Philadelphia, where the veteran heavyweight delivered an early Knockout of the Year candidate. A violent 36-second finish of Mick Terrill secured Rothwell the BKFC heavyweight title, and all eyes will certainly now be on the 43-year-old’s next outing.

The American set his sights high during his post-fight press conference, dropping the name of former UFC champion and current PFL Super Fights titleholder Francis Ngannou as a desired opponent.

During a recent interview with MMA Knockout, the BKFC president addressed that suggestion, explaining why he doesn’t see it as a possibility despite his promotion’s willingness to do business with rival organizations like the PFL.

“That would be a fantastic payday for Ben Rothwell, and I wouldn’t be opposed to something like that happening,” Feldman said. “But I just don’t think the PFL are gonna do it.

“UFC doesn’t need us, and all the rest of the promotions really don’t want to help us out because it’s just gonna help us get bigger and bigger. So, they don’t wanna do that,” Feldman continued. “They don’t wanna partner with us because they feel it’s gonna help us and not help them as much as it could because Francis Ngannou is a big name.”

Ngannou has competed just once in the PFL since signing in May 2023, knocking out Renan Ferreira in quick time last October.

Having previously fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in boxing, “The Predator” is expected to return to the ring for his next combat sports outing.

‘PLEASE RELEASE Me!’ – Bellator Champion Patchy Mix Again Pleads For PFL Exit

It’s no secret what Bellator Bantamweight Champion Patchy Mix wants from the Professional Fighters League in 2025. He wants out. While the PFL ended last year with some strong championship events, things outside the cage didn’t exactly go smoothly for the organization. Numerous fighters who came over as part of the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator […]

It’s no secret what Bellator Bantamweight Champion Patchy Mix wants from the Professional Fighters League in 2025. He wants out.

While the PFL ended last year with some strong championship events, things outside the cage didn’t exactly go smoothly for the organization.

Numerous fighters who came over as part of the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator MMA expressed their discontent, with legendary champ Patricio “Pitbull” Freire leading the way with his public criticism of his new employer.

The Brazilian finally got his wish for a release granted in January, but that hasn’t left the PFL without more fires to put out.

Another Bellator titleholder who has demanded to be let go in recent months is Mix, who won the bantamweight belt in April 2023 with a knockout of Raufeon Stots.

Frustrated with canceled fights that left him with just one title defense in 2024, “No Love” joined Freire in targeting free agency. But while the Bellator legend is now free from his contract and pushing for a UFC signing, Mix remains part of the PFL.

And he recently surfaced again on Instagram to make a fresh plea for a release, citing the new uncertainty surrounding his status as a champ after the PFL eliminated the Bellator brand from its plans moving forward.

“Right now im 31 years of age. In the prime of my career. I spent my last 6 years of my life fully dedicated to @bellatormma. I worked extremely hard and sacrificed everything to win the grand prix and become a (3) multi time world champion. Now with the promotion gone I’m exactly champion of what?

“I’ve always showed up to put it on the line have never turned down a single fight. Right now in perspective as a healthy world champion I fought just once going on 15 months now. All my momentum in my career has been lost, As this is the longest layoff of my 31 fights I’ve had between amateur and pro.

“I’m 20-1 now close to 5 years undefeated. I’ve finished my last 13/15 opponents and am legitimately one round removed from a perfect 21-0. Not boring entertainer either since I have an 80 percent finish rate. I KNOW I’m the best in the world at bantamweight and I want to prove this.

“I ask this with the upmost respect and urgency from @dscct@pflmma PLEASE RELEASE me from my contract so I can perform to make money and do what I have to do to support my family. I’m in the prime of my career and I’m the BEST. I should be able to compete against the other best fighters In the world and not be on the shelf. If the sky was the limit I’m on the moon right now skill wise and there should be only one octagon I display my skill set in. Plus the ambassador for @pflmma is @francisngannou I mean I’m a world champion out of the same gym and you personally see how hard I work and try to be a leader for this team. This is no way to treat a champion. RELEASE patchy mix ?”

Given Mix’s status as one of the top bantamweights in the world, in addition to his relatively young age of 31, it remains to be seen whether the PFL higher-ups will oblige like they did Freire’s request for a release last month.

Paul Hughes Shrugs Off Conor McGregor’s Social Media Tirade: ‘I Wasn’t Offended At All’

Paul Hughes isn’t sparing a second thought on Conor McGregor’s social media outbursts directed at him. Hughes is fresh off a hard-fought five-round war at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, where he dropped a majority decision to lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov this past Saturday — a performance that initially even had McGregor singing his […]

Paul Hughes isn’t sparing a second thought on Conor McGregor’s social media outbursts directed at him.

Hughes is fresh off a hard-fought five-round war at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, where he dropped a majority decision to lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov this past Saturday — a performance that initially even had McGregor singing his praises.

However, all hell broke loose after a video of “Big News” sharing an in-cage moment with Khabib Nurmagomedov in the aftermath of his fight went viral on social media, where he attempted to distance himself from McGregor. The clip ultimately caught the attention of “The Notorious” himself.

McGregor lashed out at Hughes, firing off a series of now-deleted tweets that mocked his fellow Irishman and targeted his Northern Irish roots. In reply, the 27-year-old first extended a measure of respect to McGregor, all the while probing the former UFC two-division champion’s mental clarity.

During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hughes broke down McGregor’s social media outburst, calmly stating that he wasn’t the slightest bit offended by the UFC superstar’s public tirade.

“Big News” explained that he understands McGregor’s tendency to let his emotions run wild online, brushing off the insults with an air of indifference.

“I wasn’t offended at all,” Hughes said. “A lot of people in Ireland, especially in Northern Ireland, could be deeply affected by the things he said, but I’m not actually offended or didn’t take it personally at all because it sounds bad, but it just seems like another day in his life—just tweeting madness. It’s not like I saw that and went, ‘Oh, you know what, I can’t believe he said this about me.’ I think it’s just another day in his life for him, and I just don’t have any opinion on it anymore… In fact, I just laughed at it when I saw it. It’s not something that I’ve been thinking about all day.”

Hughes, who had originally extended an invitation to “The Notorious” to be in his corner for the Nurmagomedov fight, went on to express that while he has always respected what McGregor has done for the sport, the 36-year-old Irishman’s words no longer resonate with him.

“I’ve always shown respect to Conor at every opportunity. I’ve consistently called him the greatest to ever do it, and I’ll always believe that. But honestly, it just didn’t bother me coming from him because his words don’t carry the same weight anymore.”