The Premier League of MMA? PFL could head for London as part of huge expansion to join UFC at the top

EXCLUSIVE
PFL holds its headline show on New Year's Eve - London is an option to host in 2021.
Tyler DePina / PFL
Tony Mogan1 September 2020

The Professional Fighters League could soon be heading for London with the MMA organisation planning a huge expansion outside of the US.

The PFL, which operates under a regular season format culminating in play-offs and a final championship night held every year on New Year’s Eve, was forced to abandon its 2020 campaign season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But behind the scenes, work is being done for its grand return next April with the PFL offering another option for fighters and fans outside of UFC and Bellator at the top end of the sport.

With plans to bolster an already impressive roster with fighters from US and Europe before the end of the year, PFL CEO Peter Murray says its expansion could start as early as next season – with London one possible option for the organisation’s season finale that would see six championship fights on the same bill on new Year’s Eve in the capital.

“We will absolutely be staging events outside the US,” Murray told Standard Sport. “In fact, it’s quite possible our 2021 season-ending championship event will be outside the US.

The winner in each weight category is handed a check for €1m.
Ryan Loco

"We have a number of different destinations and countries that are vying for the rights to host. Should the Covid landscape allow for it, we are excited for our first event outside the US to be our championship event.

“The UK market, the history of boxing, the growth of MMA… London would be amazing on New Year’s Eve. Just before the ball drops, six champions will raise their belts and be millionaires and we would love the opportunity to bring it to London.”

The PFL’s unique format, similar to the NFL in the US and even the Premier League on these shores, offers fighters the opportunity to cut through the politics of MMA with its operation offering a guarantee of world title gold and serious money - if they keep winning.

But while they are competing with the likes of UFC and Bellator for top talent, PFL’s mantra is that there is room at the top for more than one promotion – with their unique format offering an alternative option for fans.

“Our thesis is that there is room for more than one leader in this sport. No different than football. When you think about all the global football leagues, the Premier League, La Liga, the Bundesliga, football fans like to watch their favourite league and club but also competition from around the world providing it has the best athletes.

Peter Murray says PFL is currently in talks with big MMA names.
PFL / Tyler DePina

"At the end of the day, UFC and Bellator combined produce less than a 100 events a year. Think about how many football matches there are in any given year across the leagues. We are fulfilling a demand among fans and a need for premium quality MMA.”

The PFL and Premier League comparisons go further, with the organisation’s format also adopting promotion and relegation in its own unique way – fail to get enough wins under you belt during regular seasons and you will be dropped.

“Each season you will see the PFL upgrade and enhance the roster with top ranked talent. The way we do that, the top performers earn their right to stay with the PFL long-term and the underperformers , they’ve had their opportunity but they will be replaced by next level talent. That’s the model, it stays fresh for fans.”

Part of PFL’s advancement has been its technological innovation. Namely, their SmartCage which delivers real-time fighter data, integrated into the broadcast and digital platforms. Punch speed is one of the metrics currently tracked with kick speed and heart rate being readied for the new season.

Mike Tyson did the honours in 2019.
Tyler DePina

Another large part of their growth will be in recruitment.

While there is also focus on home-grown talent, PFL has already flexed its muscles with the signing of former Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald, having also signed up Manchester’s Brendan Loughnane, who at one point seemed primed for a spot in the UFC’s featherweight division.

Murray is optimistic over new additions with the PFL targeting top 10-ranked fighters in the world – with talks are ongoing with some of those international names with new signings expected before the end of the year.

A large part of their recruitment drive will also focus on the UK and Europe.

“It’s critically important, we are seeing a massive increase in our audience growth. not only in the US but internationally we have seen results so we are focused on expanding our distribution internationally.

Ryan Loco

“There are 300 million MMA fans outside of the US, there is demand for premium quality MMA content. We are first focused on distribution, we have coverage in 160 countries and we are also focused on developing, identifying and recruiting top ranked athletes.

“Half of our new signings will come from outside the US. The UK is critically important. Brendan Loughnane, we are excited to see what he can do in the 2021 season but more signings are to come out of Europe and the UK.”

While part of the the vision is to work alongside UFC at the top, Murray insists PFL is out to disrupt plans for their competitors in MMA’s free agent market as they seek to bolster their own ranks.

“Now, the lead athletes have alternatives. The top in the world, historically they haven’t had a major global alternative. Athletes now have options. PFL is in every major conversation and will be compelling athletes to go into free agency. It’s no different from other sport. It’s another disruptive thing the PFL is doing in the sport but it is all about advancing the sport.”

PFL rules and format

Each fighter fights twice in regular season
Three points for a win
One point for draw
Zero points for loser
1,2 or 3 bonus points awarded for finish in the corresponding round
Eight fighters with most points advance to playoffs
Playoffs conducted single-elimination bracket format
Championship fights held on New Year's Eve
Each winner takes home €1m

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