PFL: MMA News: When the Professional Fighters League (PFL) first came to be in 2018, it was hard to predict just how far the upstart organization could go, and how big it could become. Follow the latest MMA News Updates with InsideSport.IN
Fast-forward six years and five seasons later, the PFL is already widely regarded as the number-two mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the world, and it’s thanks in large part to the moves that the league has been making since day one.
Unique Million-Dollar Format
It’s pretty clear that their one-of-a-kind sports-style format is what makes the PFL stand out from the rest of the field. Instead of employing a traditional promotion-style way of booking fights, the PFL makes use of a regular season, playoffs, and finals format, much like how mainstream sports does it. In short, the PFL rewards the fighters for their performances. The better they perform, the better their chances are of becoming champion and taking home a million-dollar purse.
It’s win or go home in the PFL, and when you win enough, you get to go home with a million dollars and bragging rights until the next season begins.
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Talent Development and Acquisition
Over the last few seasons, the PFL has managed to not just bring in big-name stars, but develop prospects into household names as well.
Since 2019, the PFL has signed the likes of Rory MacDonald, Anthony Pettis, Fabricio Werdum, as well as boxing world champion Claressa Shields. This recent off-season alone, the PFL brought in a handful of big-name talents including former UFC title challengers Marlon Moraes and Thiago Santos, top contenders Shane Burgos and Aspen Ladd, and third-generation star Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
The PFL’s biggest signing of this past off-season however, is none other than social media influencer-turned boxer Jake Paul, who will be coming in not just as an MMA fighter, but as President for Fighter Advocacy for the league’s new Pay-Per-View Superfight Division.
In terms of development, the PFL has also made stars of the likes of Kayla Harrison, Ray Cooper III, Brendan Loughnane, Larissa Pacheco, and many others.
The talent also goes beyond the SmartCage and into the front office, as the league continues to add big names to the executive team, which is lead by founder and board member Donn Davis, CEO Peter Murray and President Ray Sefo.
Content and Product Expansion
One of the PFL’s main goals has been to expand their content worldwide. Over the last few years, the league has secured broadcast partnerships with some of the biggest global platforms, including ESPN, TSN, Combate, Eurosport, Bild, RMC Sport, and many others. The league has also capitalized on digital platforms, with streaming options globally.
Content and Product Expansion
One of the PFL’s main goals has been to expand their content worldwide. Over the last few years, the league has secured broadcast partnerships with some of the biggest global platforms, including ESPN, TSN, Combate, Eurosport, Bild, RMC Sport, and many others. The league has also capitalized on digital platforms, with streaming options globally.
Apart from content, the PFL has also expanded their brand of MMA action, with the PFL Challenger Series as well as the newly-launched PFL Europe.
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The PFL Challenger Series, which recently wrapped up their second season, gives up-and-coming fighters an opportunity to be part of the PFL’s million-dollar season by competing for a contract.
PFL Europe, meanwhile, is the league’s first international expansion tournament, which will feature the best fighters from Europe competing for a spot in the PFL’s regular-season roster. The PFL Europe blueprint is expected to be used in other countries in the future as well. The ultimate goal for the PFL, as stated on multiple occasions by the PFL brass, is for the league to become MMA’s Champion’s League.
Apart from content, the PFL has also expanded their brand of MMA action, with the PFL Challenger Series as well as the newly-launched PFL Europe.
The PFL Challenger Series, which recently wrapped up their second season, gives up-and-coming fighters an opportunity to be part of the PFL’s million-dollar season by competing for a contract.
PFL Europe, meanwhile, is the league’s first international expansion tournament, which will feature the best fighters from Europe competing for a spot in the PFL’s regular-season roster. The PFL Europe blueprint is expected to be used in other countries in the future as well.
The ultimate goal for the PFL, as stated on multiple occasions by the PFL brass, is for the league to become MMA’s Champion’s League.
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