Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
PFL re-signs undefeated prospect 'Baki' following upset victory over Cedric Doumbe
Josh Evanoff - June 18, 2024
The undefeated Baissangour ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov will be sticking with the PFL. The 22-year-old prospect known to many fans online simply as ‘Baki’ is considered one of the brightest talents at welterweight. The Frenchman currently holds an undefeated 8-0 record inside the cage, last appearing at PFL Europe 1 in March. There, Baissangour Chamsoudinov met fellow prospect, Cedric Doumbe.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 169 with Robert Whittaker and Impa Kasanganay
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024
The 169th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Saudi Arabia and PFL 5. We’re first joined by former UFC middleweight champion and current third-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker (1:18). We close it out by talking to PFL light heavyweight and reigning champion Impa Kasanganay (11:40).
Jake Paul accepts Sean O’Malley’s offer to “save” UFC 303: “PFL vs UFC June 29th”
Harry Kettle - June 13, 2024
Jake Paul has accepted Sean O’Malley’s offer to “save” UFC 303 by taking on the UFC bantamweight champion. As we know, the current status of the UFC 303 main event is uncertain. Conor McGregor is scheduled to take on Michael Chandler, but recent reports suggest that it may not happen. While we don’t know exactly why that is, the popular opinion is that ‘Notorious’ has picked up some kind of injury.
Liz Carmouche eyes another "quick finish" over Kana Watanabe at PFL 4
Cole Shelton - June 11, 2024
Liz Carmouche is looking to go 2-0 against Kana Watanabe. Carmouche and Watanabe fought back in 2021 at Bellator 261 and it was the American winning by TKO in just 35 seconds. Since then, Carmouche went on to become the Bellator women’s flyweight champion, but the two will rematch in the regular season of the PFL tournament at PFL 4 on this Thursday.
Savannah Marshall calls for MMA rematch with Claressa Shields after PFL debut: "I'm quite confident I'd do her in the cage"
Josh Evanoff - June 10, 2024
Women’s boxing star Savannah Marshall wants a rematch with Claressa Shields inside the PFL cage. ‘The Silent Assassin’ officially made the move to MMA over the weekend. Headlining PFL Europe 2, Savannah Marshall stepped into the cage for the first time opposite Mirela Vargas. In attendance was the British boxer’s longtime rival, Claressa Shields. Like Marshall, the ‘GWOAT’ is now fighting in MMA under the PFL banner.
Kayla Harrison sounds off on PFL founder Donn Davis's disparaging remarks: "I carried that company on my back!"
Curtis Calhoun - June 3, 2024
UFC bantamweight contender Kayla Harrison has issued her first public remarks since PFL founder Donn Davis’s comments about her move to the Octagon. Harrison won her highly-anticipated UFC debut at UFC 300, finishing former titleholder Holly Holm by second-round submission. She made her first appearance at 135lbs after fighting at 155lbs for the majority of her PFL career.
PFL signs former Bellator champion Douglas Lima to new deal after prior complaint about lack of fight offers
Josh Evanoff - May 28, 2024
It seems that former Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima will be sticking with the PFL. It’s been a rough few months for the Donn Davis-led MMA company. Late last year, the PFL finalized their purchase of Bellator and overhauled their roster. The addition of the likes of Cris Cyborg, Douglas Lima, A.J. McKee, and more had Davis confident that they could challenge the juggernaut that is the UFC.
Gegard Mousasi's management releases statement after PFL release: "There is a greater lesson here"
Josh Evanoff - May 23, 2024
Former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi has officially parted ways with the PFL. ‘The Dreamcatcher’ hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Fabian Edwards last May. That defeat at Bellator 296 went down months before the company was sold to the PFL. While Gegard Mousasi was linked to a clash with Derek Brunson in December, he never wound up fighting for the Donn Davis-led company.
PFL's Donn Davis uses NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant to diss UFC contender Kayla Harrison
Fernando Quiles - May 23, 2024
PFL owner Donn Davis has reacted to Kayla Harrison leaving his promotion in favor of UFC. Harrison made her UFC debut a successful one by submitting former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the second round. Harrison was on a big stage for her promotional debut at UFC 300, but she passed her first test with flying colors. Harrison was widely praised for her performance and many are wondering how much longer it’ll be before she challenges for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco accuse the PFL of "radio silence" regarding long-awaited fight
Josh Evanoff - May 22, 2024
It appears that Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco are the latest fighters to come out against the PFL. The Donn Davis-led company has had an interesting few months. Late last year, the PFL finalized their purchase of Bellator. While Scott Coker and other key executives were leaving the company, most of the roster was to stick around. After the purchase, PFL had a bolstered roster with the likes of Cris Cyborg, Patchy Mix, and more.
Gegard Mousasi threatens "legal action" against PFL over not getting fights
Cole Shelton - May 22, 2024
Former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi is threatening to sue the PFL. Mousasi has not fought since the PFL has bought Bellator and he has voiced his frustration because of that. Mousasi is not the only Bellator fighter to complain about not getting fights, as Douglas Lima and Cris Cyborg have had the same complaints.
PFL issues statement after Douglas Lima accuses league of not fulfilling his contract (Exclusive)
Curtis Calhoun - May 17, 2024
Former Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima is becoming increasingly frustrated with the PFL’s alleged lack of transparency when it comes to fulfilling his contract. Lima, along with the Bellator roster, merged under the PFL banner after the league purchased Bellator in 2023. Since the merger, Lima hasn’t competed and hasn’t fought since a win over Costello Van Steenis at Bellator 296.
Paul Hughes explains decision to sign with PFL over the UFC: “I deserve to get compensated”
Harry Kettle - May 2, 2024
Cage Warriors champion Paul Hughes has explained why he decided to sign for PFL ahead of UFC. For those of you who don’t know, Paul Hughes is a fascinating lightweight prospect. From his fight style to his impressive 11-1 pro record, there was always going to be a lot of intrigue when it comes to where he was going to sign next. In the end, though, instead of joining the likes of fellow countrymen Conor McGregor and Ian Machado Garry in the UFC, he opted for PFL.
Gegard Mousasi claims Bellator fighters make more than the PFL guys: “They lose money all the time”
Susan Cox - April 30, 2024
Gegard Mousasi is claiming that Bellator fighters make more than the PFL guys. The PFL (Professional Fighters League) acquired Bellator in November of last year in an attempt to make a stronger competitor to the UFC.
Gegard Mousasi's manager explains current situation with PFL: "It surely doesn’t feel like a priority for them at Gegard’s detriment"
Fernando Quiles - April 21, 2024
Gegard Mousasi’s manager doesn’t feel the PFL is making an honest effort to welcome his fighter to the promotion. Mousasi recently told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn that attempts from his manager, Nima Safapour, to reach out to PFL have gone unanswered. Mousasi is a member of the Bellator roster and that remains the case after PFL purchased the promotion.
Jake Paul announces plans for PFL MMA debut after Mike Tyson fight: "I'm so serious"
Josh Evanoff - April 18, 2024
Jake Paul wants to finally make his MMA debut in the PFL later this year after boxing Mike Tyson. ‘The Problem Child’ is currently slated to compete against ‘Iron Mike’ on July 20th. The boxing match will air on Netflix, the first time that the streaming service will broadcast a fight. For Jake Paul, the fight is expected to be the biggest and most profitable of his career thus far. However, it could also be his last boxing match for a while.
Cris Cyborg announces PFL debut against Larissa Pacheco is finally set: "It's happening!"
Josh Evanoff - April 15, 2024
Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg is ready to face Larissa Pacheco in the PFL. Many athletes have had their careers radically changed by the PFL’s decision to buy Bellator last year. However, few have been more impacted than the great Cris Cyborg. The women’s featherweight champion last scored a knockout win over Cat Zingano in October at Bellator 300. Post-fight, she faced off with Leah McCourt, in what was expected to be her next fight.
Video | Powerbomb backfires for Chelsea Hackett at PFL San Antonio
Harry Kettle - April 5, 2024
PFL fighter Chelsea Hackett lived to regret her powerbomb attempt at PFL San Antonio in a loss to Jena Bishop. As we know in the Professional Fighters League, getting quick finishes is always a good route forward. In their league format, it can only benefit you to get more points on the board – and that comes from quick finishes. Last night, Bishop was all over Hackett from the word go as she attempted to make a quick impression.