Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
UFC star Paddy Pimblett takes aim at Bellator and PFL: “The only reason people go to PFL is to try to win the million dollars with easier fights”
Harry Kettle - April 26, 2023
UFC star Paddy Pimblett has given his thoughts on Bellator and PFL as fighters continue to sign deals with both promotions. While he may be a big star, Paddy Pimblett has had some troubles lately. In addition to some fans turning against him, the Liverpudlian is also currently on the shelf following ankle surgery. It comes in the wake of his controversial win over Jared Gordon, with many believing he shouldn’t have had his hand raised.
PFL President Ray Sefo optimistic that his organization will land former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou: “It’s all positive”
Harry Kettle - April 6, 2023
PFL president Ray Sefo has said that things are looking positive regarding the promotion potentially signing Francis Ngannou. Earlier this year, Francis Ngannou decided to take the biggest risk of his career by leaving UFC. At the time, he was the company’s undisputed heavyweight champion – but that wasn’t enough.
Kayla Harrison reveals that uncertainty with tournament and Cris Cyborg's future could lead to missing all of 2023: "Just trying to stay patient"
Josh Evanoff - April 5, 2023
Former PFL women’s lightweight tournament winner Kayla Harrison is unsure of her future. The Judoka has been out of action since her trilogy bout with Larissa Pacheco last November. While the pair headlined PFL’s maiden voyage on pay-per-view, few expected the matchup to be competitive. In their previous two matchups, Harrison dominated and won every single round.
PFL's Loren Mack confirms Jake Paul will "absolutely" make MMA debut in 2023: "He’s gonna really develop into a superstar in the sport"
Josh Evanoff - April 3, 2023
Fear not, PFL’s Jake Paul is still set for his MMA debut this year. ‘The Problem Child’ made headlines in January when he signed with the PFL. At the time, there was little known beyond that Paul would both work and fight for the company. The YouTuber also stated that the deal wouldn’t interfere with his boxing career.
PFL 1 Results: Brendan Loughnane TKO's Marlon Moraes (Video)
Chris Taylor - April 1, 2023
Tonight’s PFL 1 event in Las Vegas is headlined by a featherweight fight featuring Brendan Loughnane taking on Marlon Moraes. Loughnane (27-4 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since winning the 2022 PFL Featherweight Tournament with a TKO victory over Bubba Jenkins. The Manchester native will enter the contest sporting a four-fight winning streak.
Pros react after Rob Wilkinson defeats Thiago Santos at PFL 1
Chris Taylor - April 1, 2023
Tonight’s PFL 1 event in Las Vegas was co-headlined by a light heavyweight fight featuring Thiago Santos taking on Rob Wilkinson. Santos (22-12 MMA), a former UFC title challenger, was making his Professional Fighters League debut this evening. ‘Marreta’ had most previously competed back in August of 2022, suffering a TKO loss to newly minted UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.
PFL 1 Results: Rob Wilkinson defeats Thiago Santos (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - April 1, 2023
Tonight’s PFL 1 event in Las Vegas is co-headlined by a light heavyweight fight featuring Thiago Santos taking on Rob Wilkinson. Santos (22-11 MMA), a former UFC title challenger, will be making his Professional Fighters League debut this evening. ‘Marreta’ most recently competed back in August of 2022, suffering a TKO loss to newly minted UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.
Brendan Loughnane expecting "a high-level technical kickboxing match" against Marlon Moraes at PFL 1: "My pressure will be too much for him"
Cole Shelton - March 30, 2023
Brendan Loughnane was excited when he found out he would be fighting Marlon Moraes in the 2023 PFL season opener. Loughnane is the reigning PFL featherweight champion and is back for season 2023 as he looks to repeat as champion. When Loughnane won the title last year, he said it was surreal as years of hard work had finally paid off.
Thiago Santos expecting "fireworks" against Rob Wilkinson at PFL 1 but confident he will finish him: "I can finish anyone, so it's what I'm going to do"
Cole Shelton - March 28, 2023
Thiago Santos is set to make his PFL debut on Saturday against the reigning champion Rob Wilkinson. Santos asked for his UFC release and was granted it so he could sign with the PFL. The news caught many by surprise but at 39 years old, the Brazilian said he wanted a new challenge given he doesn’t have much time left.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 116 with Thiago Santos, Marlon Moraes, and Brendan Loughnane
Cole Shelton - March 28, 2023
The 116th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of PFL 1 2023. We’re first joined by former UFC light heavyweight title challenger and current PFL light heavyweight Thiago Santos (1:18). Next, former UFC bantamweight title challenger and now PFL featherweight Marlon Moraes (12:54) stops by. Closing out the program is reigning PFL featherweight champ Brendan Loughnane (23:01).
Former PFL tournament winner Larissa Pacheco admits fourth fight with Kayla Harrison unlikely for 2023
Josh Evanoff - March 27, 2023
Former PFL women’s lightweight tournament winner Larissa Pacheco doesn’t expect to face Kayla Harrison for a while. The two last faced off at PFL 10 last November, in the company’s first offering on pay-per-view. While it was the first time the company was on pay-per-view, it wasn’t the first time that Harrison and Pacheco clashed. In fact, they had fought on two prior occasions, with the Judoka winning every single round.
Former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum's MMA future uncertain after end of PFL contract
Josh Evanoff - March 22, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum is now a free agent. ‘Vai Cavalo’ has been out of action since his clash with Renan Ferreira at PFL 3 in May 2021. In that outing, the latter initially scored a first-round knockout win over the former champion after a submission attempt. Months later, the fight was overturned to a no-contest after Ferreira was seen tapping in a triangle attempt from Werdum.
Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou reveals that he's close to signing to next MMA promotion: "We are very close"
Josh Evanoff - March 15, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has revealed that he will sign with PFL or ONE Championship. ‘The Predator’ walked out of the UFC in January, as he declined to re-sign after fighting out his contract. As a result, the promotion stripped Ngannou of his title, and later set Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight championship.
Jake Paul believes fight with Nate Diaz will be made after return against Tommy Fury: "I think they are ready"
Josh Evanoff - February 24, 2023
PFL’s Jake Paul believes his clash with Nate Diaz will be made after this weekend. ‘The Problem Child’ is slated to return to the ring this Sunday night in Saudi Arabia against Tommy Fury. While it’ll be the first time the two share the ring, it’s not the first time they’ve been scheduled to clash. For their two prior meetings, ‘TNT’ withdrew due to injury and visa issues.
Jake Paul reveals discussions underway with Francis Ngannou to join the PFL: "There's massive things we can do"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
According to Jake Paul, Francis Ngannou could be making his way to the PFL. ‘The Predator’ famously walked out of the UFC last month as heavyweight champion. He was later stripped of his title, with the promotion setting Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant championship in March. Nonetheless, Ngannou was undeterred and set July as a likely return date.
Aaron Chalmers reveals discussions underway for two-fight crossover series with Jake Paul: "I'm sitting down with the PFL in March"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
Bellator veteran Aaron Chalmers might have the task of being Jake Paul‘s first MMA opponent. ‘The Joker’ is currently slated to face Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition fight this Saturday night. The bout will be the first time ‘Money’ competes in the U.K., as the two will headline a pay-per-view card at The O2 Arena in London.
Bo Nickal reveals plans to help Jake Paul train for MMA debut: "“I’m super excited to train with him"
Josh Evanoff - February 16, 2023
UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal is planning on helping Jake Paul crossover to MMA. ‘The Problem Child’ is slated to face Tommy Fury later this month on ESPN pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia. The bout will be Paul’s first since defeating Anderson Silva last October. In that outing, ‘The Spider’ gave the YouTuber the biggest test of his career but came up short by unanimous decision.
PFL CEO "excited" about the conversations they are having with Francis Ngannou: "We believe we're the perfect fit"
Cole Shelton - February 10, 2023
PFL CEO Peter Murray says talks with free agent heavyweight Francis Ngannou are going well as he believes they are the perfect fit. It was recently announced that Ngannou was released from his UFC deal, and he could sign with whoever he wanted to. Immediately, many thought he would go to boxing and try and secure a fight against Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder, but Murray says PFL is in solid discussions with Ngannou.