EXCLUSIVE | Alexandre Almeida on the PFL: “I believe, 100%, they’re going to change MMA”

On June 7 in New York City, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) will kick off its inaugural season with the first round of its heavyweight and featherweight tournaments.

In one of the card’s first-round featherweight bouts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu blackbelt Alexandre Almeida will attempt to topple dangerous striking specialist Lee Coville, and take another step in the direction of his division’s $1 million prize.

Unsurprisingly, Alexandre is thrilled at the prospect of pocketing $1 million. A payday of this size would change the life of any fighter, and as such, he believes that the PFL will change the landscape of modern MMA.

“It would just change my life [to win this tournament],”Almeida said on the latest episode of BJPENN.COM Radio. “That’s my goal for my family. I have to win this tournament. I’m focused 100% percent on this tournament. I have to change my life, change the life in my family. That’s my goal man.”

“I think it’s a great for the future MMA, PFL,” he added. “I believe 100% they’re going to change MMA.”

Given the incredibly lucrative grand prize the PFL offers, Almeida expects many other fighters to flock to the promotion after this first season wraps up.

“I think more fighters will join the league after this first tournament,” he said. “Because it’s an opportunity for changing our life. I think life is gonna be changed for all fighters [who participate]. They’re gonna try [after] this season, they gonna try [to join] PFL. If they continue the tournament, it’s gonna be really good.”

Do you think the PFL has the potential to change the modern MMA landscape by turning talented fighters like Alexandre Almeida into millionaires? Join the conversation in the comment section.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 5/31/2018.