Tag: Ray Sefo

PFL confident of striking deal to sign former UFC champion Francis Ngannou: ‘It’s all positive’

PFL on signing UFC veteran Francis Ngannou It's all positivePFL (Professional Fighter’s League) president and former kickboxing star, Ray Sefo has commented on the promotion’s chances of agreeing a deal to sign former undisputed UFC heavyweight titleholder, Francis Ngannou, claiming talks between the two parties have all been “positive”. Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the organization […]

PFL on signing UFC veteran Francis Ngannou It's all positive

PFL (Professional Fighter’s League) president and former kickboxing star, Ray Sefo has commented on the promotion’s chances of agreeing a deal to sign former undisputed UFC heavyweight titleholder, Francis Ngannou, claiming talks between the two parties have all been “positive”.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, departed the organization back in January of this year officially, after his contractual obligations with the promotion expired back in December of last year.

The Batié native has, however, been linked with a move to another mixed martial arts banner following his Octagon exit, Cameroon knockout artist, Ngannou has welcomed the opportunity to sign with the aforenoted, PFL, as well as the ONE Championship promotion in Singapore – claiming both are the current frontrunners for his signature.

Ray Sefo talks up PFL’s chances of inking terms with UFC alum, Francis Ngannou

Furthermore, the 36-year-old has stressed his interest in competing in professional boxing next, and has been linked with a slew of matchups, against the likes of Anthony Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr., Tyson Fury – and most notably, former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder.

“That is correct, we’ve had a few meetings with Francis (Ngannou) and those discussions are still going on,” Ray Sefo told MMA Junkie during a recent interview. “Obviously, there’s a few other things he also wants to pursue which is boxing and he knows where we stand with it, too. So, you know, it’s all positive should I say, right?”

In the midst of a six-fight undefeated run professionally, Francis Ngannou most recently unified the heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision win over former interim titleholder, Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 back in January of last year.

In prior victories, Francis Ngannou has landed consecutive wins over Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and in his heavyweight championship coronation, defeated Stipe Miocic with a second round knockout back in March 2021.

PFL CEO Contradicts President’s Rejection Of Muhammad Mokaev: ‘He Could Absolutely Be The Future Face Of Flyweights Within PFL’

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 […]

Continue Reading PFL CEO Contradicts President’s Rejection Of Muhammad Mokaev: ‘He Could Absolutely Be The Future Face Of Flyweights Within PFL’ at MMA News.

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.

Following the PFL 7 Playoffs card on August 3, company president Ray Sefo was asked whether his promotion was entertaining the idea of pursuing Mokaev’s signature.

“I’ve spoken to people in the know and, apparently, he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with,” Sefo said. “And so, no, we’re not interested.”

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.

Kogan refuted Mokaev’s claims that discussions had been had, insisting that nobody at the PFL had shown “even an oz of interest.”

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.

Continue Reading PFL CEO Contradicts President’s Rejection Of Muhammad Mokaev: ‘He Could Absolutely Be The Future Face Of Flyweights Within PFL’ at MMA News.

Claressa Shields “Has a Lot to Learn,” says PFL President Ray Sefo

Claressa ShieldsClaressa Shields is one of the hottest names in women’s MMA right now after the legendary boxer earned a come-from-behind TKO win over Brittney Elkin at PFL 4 earlier this month. It was her MMA debut as she begins a new venture away from a sport that she essentially cleaned house in. But as Shields […]

Claressa Shields

Claressa Shields is one of the hottest names in women’s MMA right now after the legendary boxer earned a come-from-behind TKO win over Brittney Elkin at PFL 4 earlier this month. It was her MMA debut as she begins a new venture away from a sport that she essentially cleaned house in.

But as Shields continues to develop as an MMA fighter, PFL President Ray Sefo has close eyes on her progress in the octagon as she gets more fights under her belt.

“There’s still a lot to learn,” Sefo told MMA Fighting. “In terms of how she pulled through, I was impressed not only that she was so determined that the fight wasn’t going to end but if she was going to win or lose, she was going to make sure that she was going to give it a fight.”

“It’s a different sport. There’s a lot to learn, not only your wrestling but also your jiu-jitsu game. There is a lot to learn and hopefully, she’ll pick it up fast.”

It wasn’t an easy debut win for Shields who struggled early on with Elkin’s ground game in the opening rounds of the fight. Elkin came close on a few occasions to securing a fight-ending submission, but Shields was able to escape multiple attempts and stay alive in the fight.

The tables turned drastically in the third and final round when Shields showed off an impressive sprawl and takedown defense as Elkin began to fatigue. Shields then showed off her electric hand speed, got the fight to the ground, and was able to get the TKO win via ground-and-pound to end the fight.

Shields trains alongside some of the best MMA fighters in the world at Jackson-Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, NM. She has worked alongside fellow female greats such as Michelle Waterson and Holly Holm, as well as the former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones; among others.

What were your thoughts on Claressa Shields’ MMA and PFL debut?

PFL Becomes Latest Promotion To Join Cyborg Sweepstakes

As expected, Cris Cyborg has no shortage of suitors following her messy split with the UFC. The former UFC women’s featherweight champion became embroiled in a bitter exit from the world’s MMA leader following her win over Felicia Spencer a…

As expected, Cris Cyborg has no shortage of suitors following her messy split with the UFC. The former UFC women’s featherweight champion became embroiled in a bitter exit from the world’s MMA leader following her win over Felicia Spencer at July 27’s UFC 240. The bout was the last fight on her UFC contract. With […]

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Ray Sefo: There’s No Comparison Between PFL & WSOF

Professional Fighters League (PFL) President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo explains how PFL has separated itself from World Series of Fighting (WSOF). PFL 11 will be taking place on New Year’s eve. Six champions will be crowned and those winners…

Professional Fighters League (PFL) President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo explains how PFL has separated itself from World Series of Fighting (WSOF). PFL 11 will be taking place on New Year’s eve. Six champions will be crowned and those winners will earn $1 million checks each. This event will conclude the first PFL season. Ray […]

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Challenger Series in The Future of The PFL

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is in its first year of operation with its season format where the winners of each weight class win a $1 million dollar grand prize. Fans have tuned in every other week since it began the season in June with fight…

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is in its first year of operation with its season format where the winners of each weight class win a $1 million dollar grand prize. Fans have tuned in every other week since it began the season in June with fights every other Thursday night on Facebook Watch and NBCSN. […]

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