Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
Francis Ngannou names the boxer he plans to face before making his PFL debut
Susan Cox - May 16, 2023
Francis Ngannou is naming the boxer he plans to face before making his PFL debut. The former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, made headlines today, Tuesday, May 16th, when it was revealed that he signed a multi-fight, exclusive MMA contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Four PFL fighters have tested positive for banned substances including Thiago Santos
Susan Cox - May 9, 2023
Four PFL fighters have tested positive for banned substances, including Thiago Santos. The Professional Fighters League have multiple fighters who have been flagged for submitting samples which were deemed positive for banned substances.
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.
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.
Free agent Anthony Pettis confirms plans of returning to mixed martial arts following recent boxing debut: “I’m not done with MMA”
Harry Kettle - April 3, 2023
Anthony Pettis has confirmed his desire to return to mixed martial arts following his successful pro boxing debut. Last weekend, Anthony Pettis succeeded in his pro boxing debut against Roy Jones Jr. He defeated the legendary figure, outworking him over the course of their contest.
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.
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.
Marlon Moraes expects to finish Brendan Loughnane at PFL 1 and prove he's still "one of the best in the world"
Cole Shelton - March 29, 2023
Marlon Moraes still believes he can be a world champion. After Moraes lost his fourth fight in a row to Song Yadong, he announced his retirement from MMA. Yet, not even a year later, he unretired and signed with PFL to face Sheymon Moraes last November where he ultimately suffered a third-round knockout loss.
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 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.
Kayla Harrison admits PFL championship loss to Larissa Pacheco might be "best thing" to happen: "Working on the areas I need to work on"
Josh Evanoff - March 17, 2023
PFL women’s lightweight contender Kayla Harrison is seemingly grateful for her loss to Larissa Pacheco. The former Judoka has been out of action since her trilogy bout with the Brazilian last November. The two female lightweights headlined PFL’s championship card, but few expected the main event to be competitive. In their prior two outings, Harrison dominated Pacheco, and many figured that would be the case in the third matchup.
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.
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.
Tyron Woodley interested in facing Jake Paul in PFL, blasts people for saying he took a dive: "If you stand still and let someone punch you as hard as they can, you can die!"
Cole Shelton - February 21, 2023
Tyron Woodley believes he and Jake Paul could fight again, but this time in MMA. Woodley made his boxing debut against Paul in August of 2021, with Jake winning a split decision in a fight the former UFC champion thought he won. The two then rematched a few months later in December but this time around, it was Paul winning by KO.