PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES UNIBET AS OFFICIAL SPORTSBOOK AND BETTING PARTNER OF PFL EUROPE IN THE UK AND FRANCE

NEW YORK (February 15, 2024) - The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced UNIBET as the official sportsbook and betting partner of PFL Europe in the UK and France in 2024 and 2025. 

The two-year partnership kicks off at the 2024 PFL Europe Paris event on Thursday, March 7 live from Accor Arena. PFL and UNIBET previously partnered at PFL Europe’s Paris event in 2023, which became the biggest MMA event in French TV history.  

“The PFL is proud to partner with UNIBET, the leading sportsbook for mixed martial arts across Europe,” said PFL SVP of International, James Frewin. “PFL Europe and UNIBET share many synergies, and we’re excited to provide fans across the UK and France an opportunity to enjoy a premium gaming experience."

UNIBET is part of the Kindred Group - which incorporates nine of Europe’s most successful online gambling brands - has established a strong presence in combat sports in both France and the UK, while its wider portfolio includes leading football clubs in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia as well as prestigious horse racing events.

Neil Banbury, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Kindred Group, said: “It is always Kindred’s ambition to partner with ambitious, forward-looking sports organisations. The speed of PFL’s growth and its undoubted potential made this an easy choice from our perspective. We can’t wait to support the PFL on its evolution, and we’re counting down the days until our partnership officially begins.”

PFL is the only organization in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE AND FRANCIS NGANNOU ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE GLOBAL MMA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

NEW YORK (May 16, 2023) The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced an exclusive global MMA strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the greatest MMA fighter in the world today. Ngannou is the former UFC heavyweight champion, the first African heavyweight world champion in history, and the hardest hitting fighter in MMA history. PFL is the #1 fastest growing global sports league and the #2 MMA company worldwide on all metrics. This strategic partnership represents the most valuable MMA deal for a single fighter and the latest groundbreaking milestone to accelerate PFL’s mission to become the co-leader in MMA.

Under the partnership, Ngannou will fight exclusively in MMA for the PFL’s new PPV Super Fight Division, joining combat sports superstars Jake Paul and Kayla Harrison. The Super Fight Division was launched to revamp the antiquated business model of MMA and to forge true economic partnerships with the sport’s top stars to compete in global mega events, offering 50% of the revenue from the PPV fights. Ngannou will make his PFL PPV Super Fight debut in mid-2024 against a major global MMA star fighter to be chosen in the future. DAZN is a partner of PFL’s Super Fight Division and will distribute events on its PPV platform in Europe and other priority international markets.

The PFL Global Advisory Board has been established for the league to closely collaborate with the greatest athletes and minds in the sport of MMA to ensure the PFL stays focused on its fighters-first mission, combined with recruiting and developing future global champions. As part of the strategic partnership with the PFL, Ngannou will serve in a leadership role on the PFL Global Advisory Board, making him the first active fighter to serve on the board and represent fighters’ interests.

Building upon the successful launch of PFL Europe earlier this year, the PFL will continue its international regional MMA league expansion in priority markets around the world, including Africa. The PFL has announced Ngannou will be an equity owner in and Chairman of PFL Africa, the premier MMA league on the continent featuring the greatest fighters from African countries competing to become PFL Africa champions and earning a pathway to the PFL Global season.

Ngannou’s global stature, capabilities on the continent of Africa, and his strategic business relationships, combined with PFL’s vision and proven infrastructure, will ensure PFL Africa’s success. PFL Africa events will be staged in key countries on the continent live in primetime to meet the major demand for premium and consistent MMA content.

"I am very excited for this game changing partnership with the Professional Fighters League to continue my MMA fighting career in the PFL’s PPV Super Fight Division,” said Ngannou. “I believe in the PFL’s “fighter first” culture and global vision including developing the sport in Africa. With that, I am also proud to announce that I will serve as Chairman of PFL Africa which will be the leading MMA organization on the continent providing great African fighters the opportunity to compete on a global platform.”

“The PFL is excited to announce its groundbreaking strategic partnership with Francis Ngannou, the greatest heavyweight MMA fighter in the world. Ngannou will anchor the PFL’s star-studded PPV Super Fight Division, serve on PFL’s Global Athlete Advisory Board, and will be Chairman and an equity owner in PFL Africa,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “Beyond working with Francis to advance the sport of MMA and scale PFL globally, I’m personally looking forward to supporting Francis in his commitment to fight for communities in Africa and around the world, inspired by his vision for the Francis Ngannou Foundation.”

“PFL has an expansive plan to become the first true global league in sports, with international regional leagues spanning all continents,” said PFL Founder and Chairman Donn Davis. “PFL Europe’s launch in 2023 has been a huge success, and we will have six more PFL international leagues operating by 2026 to form the first ever “Champions League of MMA” to spark national pride and determine the actual best in the world via the PFL sport-season format of “win and advance” meritocracy.”

"You have to give a ton of credit to Francis. Most fighters couldn’t go through what he went through this past year. He understands his value and has been extremely patient to get to this point. Now, not only is he the best heavyweight in the world, but he has a deal that is unmatched and will set him up for life. I want to personally thank Donn Davis and Pete Murray for being so collaborative throughout the process and committed to pushing PFL to new heights." said Marquel Martin, President and Co-Founder of athlete and brand management company 3POINT0 Labs Inc.

“We’re proud to work with Francis and the PFL to realize the wide-ranging business and strategic initiatives Francis has set out to achieve for his career and the continent. We’re ever impressed by his fortitude and perseverance to achieve in his life, his sport and his businesses” added Andrew Cutrow, Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder of 3POINT0 Labs.

PFL is the #1 fastest growing global sports league and the #2 MMA company worldwide on all metrics. PFL is the only company in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in sports-season “win and advance” meritocracy like all other major sports. The PFL fighter roster is global and world-class, with fighters from over 20 countries and 25% independently ranked in the top 25. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage powering real-time betting and next-gen viewing experience. PFL airs live in the U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+ and in 140 countries via 25 leading broadcast and streaming partners.



About Professional Fighters League

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide on all key metrics and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. The Company has four global live fight franchises: PFL League Season, PFL Challenger Series, PFL PPV Super Fights, and PFL Europe.
PFL airs live in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries with 25 international leading media partners, including DAZN, Stan Sport, Viacom18, RMC Sport, Globo, Star Times, FPT, CSM, DirectTV, ITV, and MBC. PFL has dozens of major brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, GEICO, Bose, US Marine Corps, and Celsius Energy Drink.
PFL is backed by blue-chip investors including Ares, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners.
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with over 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

About 3Point0 Labs Inc.

3POINT0 Labs is a trailblazing web3 sports advisory and innovation company built to launch cutting-edge tech products, sports projects, and premier services in partnership with top-tier sports talent and brands around the world. Its goal is to create a platform that brings together the best of sports talent and media brands to transform the way sports business is conducted globally.

Its team is made up of industry experts with forward-thinking mindsets, offering clients and partners opportunities to own their unique services and businesses. The team is committed to innovating the areas of the sports and branding with fresh ideas, business structures and technologies to push the boundaries of athletes’ businesses.

2022 PFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CEREMONIAL WEIGH-IN IMAGES

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - The Professional Fighters League, the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league in the world, wraps up a historic 2022 season with MMA’s Richest Night, the 2022 PFL World Championship, which takes place at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York City tomorrow, November 25. The card features six championship bouts, as well as highly-anticipated debuts from the fastest-rising stars in mixed martial arts. The main event will feature undefeated American Kayla Harrison facing Brazilian knockout artist Larissa Pacheco for the PFL Women’s Lightweight Championship.

Harrison, who weighed in at 154.4-pounds, is gunning for her third-straight reign as PFL Women’s Lightweight Champion. A win on Friday will make her the league’s first and only three-time champion and cement her place as the best fighter in women’s MMA today. 
 

Looking to end Harrison’s unbeaten streak will be Pacheco, who weighed in at 154.2-pounds. Pacheco has won her last five fights by knockout and is looking to claim her first PFL World Championship when she squares off with Harrison again.

In the co-main event, England’s Brendan Loughnane meets Bubba “Bad Man” Jenkins of the United States for the PFL Featherweight Championship.

Loughnane, who weighed in at 144.8-pounds, will compete for the first PFL championship of his career. The Manchester native ran through some of the league’s best 145-pounders to reach the finals and earn a shot at PFL gold and the million-dollar purse.

Jenkins, who weighed in at 145-pounds attempts to add another championship to his already impressive list of accolades. The former NCAA Division I wrestling champion will try to grapple his way to a PFL title and a million-dollar check.

Croatia’s Ante Delija (241.8 lbs.) and Brazil’s Matheus Scheffel (256.4 lbs.) both made weight for their PFL Heavyweight Championship bout.

Canada’s Olivier Aubin-Mercier (154.6 lbs.) and Scotland’s Stevie Ray (154.6 lbs.) both made weight for their PFL Lightweight Championship bout.

Sweden’s Sadibou Sy (169.6 lbs.) and PFL Challenger Series contract winner, Jamaica’s Dilano Taylor (169.4 lbs.) both made weight for their PFL Welterweight Championship bout.

New Zealand’s Robert Wilkinson (204.6 lbs.) and Omari Akhmedov (202.8 lbs.) both made weight for their PFL Light Heavyweight Championship bout.

COMPLETE 2022 PFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WEIGH-IN RESULTS:

 

ESPN+ PPV Championship Card

 

PFL Women’s Lightweight Championship:

Kayla Harrison (154.4 lbs.) vs. Larissa Pacheco (154.2 lbs)

 

PFL Featherweight Championship:

Brendan Loughnane (144.8 lbs.) vs. Bubba Jenkins (145 lbs)

 

PFL Heavyweight Championship:

Ante Delija (241.8 lbs.) vs. Matheus Scheffel (256.4 lbs.)

 

Women’s Featherweight Showcase: 

Aspen Ladd (145.4 lbs.) vs. Julia Budd (146 lbs.)

 

PFL Lightweight Championship:

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (154.6 lbs.) vs. Stevie Ray (154.6 lbs.)

 

PFL Welterweight Championship:

Sadibou Sy (169.6 lbs.) vs. Dilano Taylor (169.4 lbs.)

 

PFL Light Heavyweight Championship: 

Robert Wilkinson (204.6 lbs.) vs. Omari Akhmedov (202.8 lbs.)

ESPN+ Early Card

 

Featherweight Showcase:

Marlon Moraes (146 lbs.) vs. Sheymon Moraes (145.8 lbs.)

 

Lightweight Showcase:

Natan Schulte (155.4 lbs.)  vs. Jeremy Stephens (155.8 lbs.)

 

Catchweight Showcase:

Magomed Magomedkerimov (175.8 lbs.) vs. Gleison Tibau (174.6 lbs.)

 

Women’s Flyweight Showcase:

Dakota Ditcheva (125.6 lbs.) vs. Katherine Corogenes (124.2 lbs.)

 

Lightweight Amateur Bout:

Biaggio Ali Walsh (154.8 lbs.) vs. Tom Graesser (154.8 lbs.)

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE LAUNCHES 24/7 FAST CHANNEL

NEW YORK (NOVEMBER 3, 2022) - The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, has announced the launch of a dedicated 24/7 free, ad-supported, streaming TV (FAST) channel in partnership with industry-leading platforms Xumo, Local Now, Sports.TV, and SportsTribal. The cutting-edge distribution channel will showcase video content from the league’s fight event library, PFL Vault episodes, and other archival original programming, as well as live event weigh-ins, press conferences and behind-the-scenes footage.

The channel is now live on Xumo and Local Now and will launch on Sports.TV and the European-based SportsTribal ahead of the PFL World Championship on Friday, November 25. Fans will now have a new way to access content featuring the greatest MMA fighters from across the globe.
 
All November long, the PFL FAST channel will highlight programming from past PFL Championships including the greatest title fights from the PFL library, features on previous PFL Champions, and additional dedicated content to help fans catch up on all things Championship as they prepare for MMA’s richest night.
 
“We are excited to launch the Professional Fighters League's first-ever FAST channel in the U.S. providing our young and passionate MMA fanbase with year-round access to PFL star talent, original content and fight library,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The PFL MMA channel will reach over 125 million viewers across launch partners including Xumo, Local Now, Sports.TV and SportsTribal, with more top tier platforms to come.”
 
“The PFL channel brings premier fighting action to Xumo viewers 24/7,” stated Stefan Van Engen, SVP of programming and partnerships at Xumo. “Programming such as this delivers best-in-class content to a dedicated and growing base of fans.”
 
“As a dedicated sports network with a strong roster of combat sport, PFL is a great fit for our service and well suited to our audience,” said Joe Nilsson, Chief Commercial Officer at SportsTribal.
 
The 2022 PFL World Championship takes place on Friday, November 25 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Finalists will face off for six world titles and six $1 million champion’s purses. Superstar Kayla Harrison will look to earn her third PFL title when she takes on knockout artist Larissa Pacheco in the card’s main event, which will also feature the league’s new star signing “Hurricane” Shane Burgos in a welterweight clash against Marlon Moraes.
 
PFL is the first and only MMA league with a true sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points in the Regular Season advance to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship – with each winner going home with the $1 million prize.
 
Professional Fighters League is the No. 2 MMA company globally and features an elite talent roster. PFL has live event coverage in 160 countries on leading distribution platforms and delivers a unique, innovative product to MMA fans around the world.
 
###

About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
 
PFL airs in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and broadcast and streamed worldwide to 160 countries, with partners including Channel 4, DirecTV, RMC Sport, Eurosport, Sky Sports, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience. 
 
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
 
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
 
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
 
About Xumo
A pioneer in the free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) and media entertainment space, Xumo offers viewers the opportunity to tune into exclusive movies, tv shows and over 250 channels with free premium programming across 26 genres, including Local News, Weather, Action & Drama TV, Westerns & Country TV, Latino, Crime TV, Game Shows & Daytime TV, Horror & Sci-Fi and more. The free, ad-supported service reaches millions of viewers each month via a multi-screen distribution network of smart TVs, mobile, web, and streaming boxes. Xumo delivers its over-the-top (OTT) video-on-demand (VOD) and LIVE linear digital channels through content partnerships with popular media providers such as ABC News Live, LOL! Network, Dateline, CBS Sports HQ, FREE Kids TV, Snowy River: The McGregor Saga, The Walking Dead Universe, America’s Test Kitchen, and Antiques Roadshow UK, as well the PGA TOUR, and many others. The company is based in Irvine, California. Learn more about Xumo at: www.Xumo.tv and follow @XumoTV on Twitter.

About Local Now
The Allen Media Group digital platform Local Now is the leading free streaming service for local news and entertainment in America, delivering localized content to over 225 markets in the U.S. and boasting an endless supply of movies and TV shows from Hollywood's biggest studios. It offers hundreds of live channels that feature an extensive roster of superstar talent and marquee content partners. Local Now’s state-of-the-art streaming platform also delivers original local news, weather and information, customized by market, so viewers can easily stay connected to what matters to them most. Local Now is available on nearly all platforms across OTT on connected TV, Mobile and Web. For more information, please visit: www.localnow.com.
 
About Sports.TV
Sports.TV is the home for the ultimate sports and competition junkie. Stream hundreds of hours of games, analysis, recaps, highlights and more across our free channel lineup! We've got all of your favorite sports covered, including lacrosse, MMA, billiards, table tennis, e-gaming, soccer, baseball, basketball, football and so much more. Get even more sports and entertainment with our library of free on demand movies and TV shows. Come discover your favorite new sport on Sports.TV!
 
About SportsTribal
SportsTribal is a free, ad-supported, sports streaming TV service (FAST), available across multiple devices (OTT). Our service includes a wide range of 24/7 sports focused TV channels and live events from around the world. We are a fast-paced start-up that operates at the intersection of sports, broadcasting, advertising, and technology, and at our core we are passionate sports fans. As a direct-to-consumer platform, SportsTribal is dedicated to making it simple for fans to watch the sports they love, for free, on TV, while discovering something new.

NEW YORK CITY SET TO HOST 2022 PFL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 ON ESPN+ PPV LIVE FROM HULU THEATER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 28, 2022) - The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced the 2022 PFL World Championship will take place on Friday, November 25 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The biggest night in MMA will feature finalists facing off for six world titles and six $1 million champion’s purses. Tickets for the 2022 PFL World Championship are available now.

ESPN+ PPV will stream the PPV card live at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT and ESPN+ will exclusively stream the undercard at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT.  Pre-fight show coverage will start at 5:30pm ET on ESPN+.

The evening’s main event will see MMA superstar Kayla Harrison face off against knockout artist Larissa Pacheco for the PFL Women’s Lightweight World Championship. With a win, Harrison will become the first person to win three PFL titles and further bolster her claim as the best female fighter in the world. It won’t come easy as Pacheco enters the matchup on the best run of her career, with her last five wins coming by way of first round knockout. These two last met in the 2019 PFL Finals, with Harrison earning her first World Championship via unanimous decision after five rounds.

British Featherweight Brendan Loughnane put on the performance of a lifetime in a one-sided drubbing of top-seeded Chris Wade in the semifinals, clinching his first appearance in the PFL World Championship. He’ll face another wrestling standout in American Bubba Jenkins, a former Division 1 NCAA champion, with a life-changing opportunity on the line.

One of the most significant signings in PFL history, Shane Burgos will make his highly anticipated debut in his hometown when he steps into the SmartCage on November 25. A rising star in the featherweight division, Burgos will face Marlon Moraes as he looks to build momentum heading into his first Regular Season in 2023.

“I am excited to announce the 2022 PFL World Championship is set for Friday, November 25 and the stage doesn’t get any bigger than ESPN+ PPV in primetime staged live from New York City at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “This special pay-per-view holiday event is stacked with star talent and championship drama as PFL will deliver fans six world title fights with six belts and $6 million on the line headlined by undefeated superstar Kayla Harrison in the biggest fight of  her career against Larissa Pacheco, who has five consecutive first round knockouts coming into this epic season finale. The PPV card will also feature “Hurricane” Shane Burgos and Marlon Moraes facing each other in their PFL debuts.”

Tickets for the biggest night in MMA are available here with prices ranging from $70 - $195 with VIP tickets available for $600.

PFL World Championship on ESPN+ PPV and ESPN+ (all times ET)

PFL is the first and only MMA league with a true sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points in the Regular Season advancing to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship – with each winner going home with the $1 million prize.
 
Professional Fighters League is the No. 2 MMA company globally and features an elite talent roster. PFL has live event coverage in 160 countries on leading distribution platforms and delivers a unique, innovative product to MMA fans around the world.
 
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
 
PFL airs in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and is broadcast and streamed worldwide to 160 countries, with partners including Channel 4, DirecTV, RMC Sport, Eurosport, Sky Sports, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience. 
 
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
 
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
 
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 22.8 million subscribers. Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month (or $99.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices).

BIAGGIO ALI WALSH GRANDSON OF LEGENDARY BOXER MUHAMMAD ALI SIGNS WITH PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE

NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 14, 2022) - The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced Biaggio Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, has signed an agreement with the league.  

The 24-year-old Chicago born, Ali Walsh was a standout running back at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, he went on to attend the University of California before transferring to UNLV. Ali Walsh began his MMA journey in 2020 training in Las Vegas at Xtreme Couture. The grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, a three-time world heavyweight champion, and brother of professional boxer Nico, an undefeated middleweight; Ali Walsh will look to add to his family legacy in combat sports. 

“The Professional Fighters League is committed to growing the league and the sport of MMA, it is incumbent upon us to look for the future stars of our sport, we have found one of those stars in Biaggio” said Professional Fighters League CEO, Peter Murray. “We are excited to watch Biaggio’s journey from amateur to professional on the world stage with the PFL.”

“I want to thank Professional Fighters League for their support and confidence in me. I can’t wait to enter the PFL SmartCage,” said Ali Walsh. “I have a legacy to live up to, a legacy that my grandfather began, that my brother and I continue, I chose to continue that legacy here in the Professional Fighters League. My one and only goal is to one day become a PFL World Champion.” 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Biaggio Ali Walsh to the Professional Fighters League,” said PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo. “I look forward to working with Biaggio and his team as he continues to grow in MMA. Biaggio has a world of talent that he will develop right here in the PFL.”

PFL is the first and only MMA league with a true sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points in the Regular Season advancing to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship – with each winner going home with the $1 million prize.

Professional Fighters League is the No. 2 MMA company globally and features an elite talent roster. PFL has live event coverage in 160 countries on leading distribution platforms and delivers a unique, innovative product to MMA fans around the world.

About Professional Fighters League

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. 

PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and broadcast and streamed worldwide to 160 countries, with partners including Channel 4, DirecTV, RMC Sport, Eurosport, Sky Sports, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.  

PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners. 

MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams. 

PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE SIGNS TOP RANKED FEATHERWEIGHT “HURRICANE” SHANE BURGOS TO GLOBAL SEASON ROSTER

NEW YORK (AUGUST 16, 2022) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league in the world, today announced the signing of one of the most sought-after and recruited athletes in MMA, Shane Burgos.

Many see the Bronx, NY native as the future of Featherweight MMA, Burgos who comes to the PFL with a professional record of 15-3, is currently ranked among the best Featherweights in the world. “Hurricane”, who turned professional in 2016, has amassed a loyal following and scored wins over some of the best 145-pound fighters in the world including Cub Swanson, Charles Jourdain and Billy Quarantillo. Burgos enters the PFL SmartCage on a two-fight win streak.

“The PFL is the land of opportunity, and I could not be happier to join the organization,” said Burgos. “I chose the PFL because I share their values and vision for the sport. I am coming to prove I am the best and look forward to fighting in the 2023 PFL season competing within the most talented Featherweight division in the world”

“We are excited to have Shane Burgos join the PFL’s 2023 Season roster as he is a top ranked, exciting and confident fighter in the prime of his career who recognizes the PFL provides top fighters an opportunity to compete on a major stage against the world’s best talent and there is a clear path for fighters to earn their way to becoming champion.” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The Professional Fighters League takes great pride in bringing the best in MMA to the 600 million MMA fans around the world.”

“Hurricane” Shane Burgos will compete in the 2023 PFL Regular Season as part of the PFL’s growing global roster.

The 2022 PFL Playoffs continue this Saturday August 20 at Copperbox Arena in London. Fighters across the Women’s Lightweight and Men’s Featherweight divisions will be aim to book their place at the biggest night in MMA, the 2022 PFL World Championship, where they will earn a chance at a 2022 PFL championship and $1 million prize.

Tickets for the 2022 PFL Playoffs are available here.

PFL is the first and only MMA league with a true sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points in the Regular Season advancing to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship – with each winner going home with the $1 million prize.

Professional Fighters League is the No. 2 MMA company globally and features an elite talent roster. PFL has live event coverage in 160 countries on leading distribution platforms and delivers a unique, innovative product to MMA fans around the world.

About Professional Fighters League

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. 

PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and broadcast and streamed worldwide to 160 countries, with partners including Channel 4, DirecTV, RMC Sport, Eurosport, Sky Sports, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.  

PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners. 

MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams. 

PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

SECOND HALF OF THE 2022 PFL SEASON CONTINUES WITH PFL 6 FEATURING WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHTS AND WELTERWEIGHTS JULY 1 ON ESPN, ESPN DEPORTES AND SIMULCAST ON ESPN+ AT 8 P.M. ET

NEW YORK (June 1, 2022) –The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced its main event and full card matchups for PFL 6, taking place on July 1 at Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The sport’s most dominant woman Kayla Harrison will headline the event against one of the most accomplished women’s MMA fighters, Canadian Julia Budd. Harrison, who remains undefeated in MMA competition, will take on Budd hoping to add to her Regular Season point total, while Budd, will likely have to defeat Harrison if she hopes to make the PFL Playoffs.

Rory MacDonald returns to the PFL SmartCage after a first-round stoppage that saw the “Red King” earn six points in his first bout of the season. MacDonald can clinch the #1 seed in the Playoffs for the Welterweight Division with a stoppage win in any round. He squares off with Swedish striker Sadibou Sy. Sy will likely need a win to keep his 2022 PFL Playoff hopes alive.

Two-time PFL Welterweight Champion Ray Cooper III has his back against the wall, after failing to make weight before his first fight of the season. Cooper III faces MMA veteran Brett Cooper. The two-time champion will need to make quick work of a very savvy opponent if he hopes to head back to the postseason for the fourth time. Brett Cooper is looking to bounce back from a loss at PFL 3.

In the main card opener, 2018 PFL Welterweight Champion Magomed Magomedkerimov and Brazilian Joao Zeferino are set to face off. Zeferino is coming off of a hard fought a split-decision loss to 2022 PFL Challenger Series contestant Dilano Taylor. Magomedkerimov, who is making his 2022 PFL Regular Season debut, will look for a repeat of 2021 when he was able to secure a playoff berth with a first-round finish in his only Regular Season bout.

“The final event of the 2022 PFL Regular Season promises non-stop action from the greatest athletes in the world,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “The stakes remain high as the PFL Playoffs approach, this is the action only the PFL can provide to MMA fans around the world.”

“PFL 6 will showcase some of the best fighters in all of MMA,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations. “The Welterweights and Women’s Lightweight divisions will put on a spectacular event for PFL fans ahead of the Playoffs.”

The second half of the 2022 PFL Season begins June 17 on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in primetime. The remaining Regular Season events will take place on June 24 and July 1. Tickets to see PFL live at OTE Arena in Atlanta are available now.
PFL is the first and only MMA league with a true sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points during the Regular Season, advance to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship – with each winner going home with the $1 million prize.

PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide by all key metrics, including distribution reach, broadcast and streaming audience per event, and fighter roster quality. The PFL talent roster is world-class, with 25% of the fighters independently ranked in the top-25 of their respective weight class, including 2x PFL Champions Kayla Harrison and Ray Cooper III, former Bellator Champions Rory MacDonald and Julia Budd, and former UFC Champion Anthony Pettis.

Full Card:

ESPN Card (Simulcast on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+)
Kayla Harrison vs. Julia Budd
Rory MacDonald vs. Sadibou Sy
Ray Cooper III vs. Brett Cooper
Magomed Magomedkerimov vs. Joao Zeferino

ESPN+ Card
Jarrah Al Silawi vs. Magomed Umalatov
Larissa Pacheco vs. Genah Fabian
Nikolai Aleksakhin vs. Gleison Tibau
Marina Mokhnatkina vs. Abigail Montes
Martina Jindrova vs. Zamzagul Fayzallanova
Olena Kolesnyk vs. Vanessa Melo

Women’s Lightweight



Welterweight



About Professional Fighters League

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.

PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and broadcast and streamed worldwide to 160 countries with over 25 media distribution partners including Channel 4, DirecTV, RMC Sport, Eurosport, Sky Sports.  The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience. 

PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, and US Marine Corps.  PFL has raised $200 million of capital to date from major investors, including Ares, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.

MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.

PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST PARTNERSHIP WITH SKY NEW ZEALAND FOR 2022 SEASON

NEW YORK (February 24, 2022) - The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, and Sky New Zealand today announced an exclusive broadcast partnership for 2022. Sky Sport will become the exclusive PFL content provider in New Zealand, carrying both the PFL’s inaugural Challenger Series and the 2022 PFL Regular Season, Playoffs, and PFL World Championship.

Additionally, Sky New Zealand will bring MMA fans exclusive PFL content including archival season footage from 2019-2021 and original content from PFL Studios.
 
PFL Women’s Lightweight fighter Genah Fabian, a proud New Zealander, continued making a name for herself during the 2021 PFL Season, qualifying for the 2021 Playoffs after a 2-0-0 record with wins against both Laura Sanchez and Julija Pajic. 
 
Additionally, Women’s Lightweight fighter Michelle Montague will make her PFL debut at the inaugural PFL Challenger Series on March 4. The Kiwi is a former IMMAF champion and will look to earn a 2022 PFL Regular Season contract.
 
“As we look ahead to an event-packed 2022 season for the Professional Fighters League, we are elated to announce our broadcast partnership with Sky in New Zealand,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “Sky is the home of sports and entertainment in New Zealand, and we are eager to deliver MMA fans PFL’s world class content and fighters.”
 
“I’m thrilled that fight fans across the country will have access to world-class fighters and exclusive MMA content on Sky New Zealand in what will be PFL’s biggest season ever,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “Genah Fabian and Michelle Montague are two standout talents and I know all of New Zealand will be supporting them when they step into the SmartCage for the upcoming Regular Season and Challenger Series events.”
 
“MMA is a growth sport in Aotearoa New Zealand and has huge appeal to a wide range of fans,” said Adam Crothers, Sky’s Head of Sports Partnerships. “Peter and his team have a bold vision for where they want to take the PFL and it’s exciting for us to be able to share the PFL with Kiwis who keenly follow and admire the extraordinary athletes and personalities who take part in this sport. What’s more, they can do this where they are with Sky Go, Sky Sport Now and through their Sky box.”
 
The deal was spearheaded in conjunction with Athletic Sports Group and its subsidiary Fight Globe, the world's largest combat sports distributor.
 
PFL is the first and only MMA league with a true sports-season format where elite fighters from around the world compete in a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship. The four competitors in each division who earn the most points advance to the win-or-go-home Playoffs, followed by the biggest night in MMA – the PFL World Championship – with each winner going home with the $1 million prize.
 
Following a breakthrough year that saw 100 percent audience growth, PFL has accelerated its momentum in the early part of 2022 with a multi-year renewal with ESPN, generating widespread buzz around the upcoming Challenger Series on Fubo Sports Network, and adding several leading brands to its blue-chip sponsorship portfolio.
 
Professional Fighters League is the No. 2 MMA company globally and features an elite talent roster with 25 percent of its fighters independently ranked in the top-25 of the world, including 2021 PFL champions Ray Cooper III and Movlid Khaybulaev. PFL has live event coverage in 160 countries on leading distribution platforms and delivers a unique, innovative product to the more than 600 million MMA fans globally.
 
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship. 
 
PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and was broadcast and streamed live worldwide last year to 160 countries with partners including RMC Sport, FPT, Sky Sport, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.  
 
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners. 
 
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams. 
 
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
 
About Sky New Zealand
Sky is New Zealand’s leading entertainment company and home to the best and broadest choice in live sport, movies, shows, documentaries, and breaking news. Sky offers a suite of viewing choices to suit every New Zealander, whether it’s through the Sky Box and companion app Sky Go for premium direct-to-home customers, or through its streaming services Sky Sport Now for sport or Neon for movies and entertainment. Sky also owns free-to-air channel, Prime. Unique New Zealand stories and free-to-air sport are a strong part of Prime’s line-up.