Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
Fabricio Werdum reacts after controversial fight with Renan Ferreira overturned to No Contest
Adam D Martin - May 11, 2021
PFL heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum reacted after his controversial TKO loss to Renan Ferreira was overturned to a No Contest. Werdum lost via first-round knockout to Ferreira last Thursday at PFL 3, but the finish was marred in controversy as it appeared as though Ferreira had tapped out seconds before he pounded Werdum out. Immediately, Werdum protested the stoppage and said that Ferreira had tapped out. Werdum’s manager Ali Abdelaziz confirmed that Team Werdum would be filing an appeal and they did just that, and it was successful. On Monday, the result of the fight was overturned to a No Contest so Werdum had the loss removed from his record.
New Jersey commission overturns Renan Ferreira's controversial win over Fabricio Werdum
Cole Shelton - May 10, 2021
The New Jersey Athletic Control Board has overturned Renan Ferreira’s controversial win over Fabricio Werdum at PFL 3. Werdum headlined the card and just seconds into the fight, he got the fight to the ground. He then threatened a triangle choke and it looked like it was tight, but Ferreira landed ground and pound and got the first-round KO win over Werdum.
Renan Ferreira fires back at Fabricio Werdum following controversial win in PFL
Adam D Martin - May 10, 2021
Brazilian heavyweight Renan Ferreira fired back at his countryman Fabricio Werdum following his recent controversial win in PFL. Ferreira scored the biggest win of his MMA career to date when he knocked out Werdum in the first round of their PFL regular season fight, but the finish was controversial as it appeared as though Ferreira had tapped to a triangle choke seconds beforehand. Werdum was upset about the finish and his team has already appealed the result of the contest. Fans online for the most part seem to agree there was a tapout, but the referee missed it and Ferreira didn’t acknowledge it, thus leading to Werdum not getting his hand raised.
Fabricio Werdum says he didn't want to pull a Rousimar Palhares against Renan Ferreira at PFL 3
Adam D Martin - May 7, 2021
PFL heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum talked about the phantom tap by Renan Ferreira, saying he didn’t want to pull a Rousimar Palhares. Werdum lost via a first-round TKO after Ferreira landed a number of hammer fists on him from top position and finished him with ground and pound. However, replays after the fight showed that a triangle choke that Werdum had locked in moments earlier had caused Ferreira to tap out. The referee didn’t see the tapout and the fight continued, with Werdum losing by knockout. Considering what it means to win and lose in the tournament for the $1 million dollars, this is a big loss for Werdum and he is filing an appeal with the commission.
Fabricio Werdum releases statement following controversial loss at PFL 3: “When your opponent gives up we have to respect”
Adam D Martin - May 7, 2021
Fabricio Werdum released a statement following his controversial loss at PFL 3, saying that “when your opponent gives up we have to respect.” Werdum took on Renan Ferreira in the main event of Thursday’s PFL 3 event. In the first round of the fight, Werdum was able to get a takedown and get the fight to the floor. He began searching for submissions and appeared to have a triangle choke locked in. On replay, it appeared as though Ferreira tapped, and Werdum slightly loosened the grip, but the referee did not see any tap and the fight continued on. A few seconds later and Werdum was being stopped with strikes as Ferreira smashed him with hammerfists from the top as he picked up a massive upset win in the PFL 3 heavyweight regular season.
Fabricio Werdum files appeal following controversial loss to Renan Ferreira at PFL 3
Christopher Taylor - May 6, 2021
Former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum has already filed an appeal following his controversial loss to Renan Ferreira at PFL 3. Werdum (24-10-1 MMA) was making his PFL debut in tonight’s event headliner against a fellow Brazilian in Ferreira (7-2 MMA).
Pros react after video shows Renen Ferreira tapped out prior to his KO of Fabricio Werdum
Christopher Taylor - May 6, 2021
Pros react after tonight’s PFL 3 headliner between heavyweight fighters Fabricio Werdum and Renan Ferreira ends in controversial fashion. Werdum (24-10-1 MMA), a former UFC heavyweight champion, was returning to action this evening for the first time since July of 2020, where he had scored a first round victory over Alexander Gustafsson.
PFL 3 Results: Renan Ferreira KO's Fabricio Werdum (Video)
Christopher Taylor - May 6, 2021
A heavyweight bout between Fabricio Werdum and Renan Ferreira headlined tonight’s PFL 3 event from Atlantic City, New Jersey. Werdum (24-9-1 MMA), a former UFC heavyweight champion, was returning to action for the first time since July of 2020 where he had scored a first round victory over Alexander Gustafsson. That win had snapped a two-fight losing skid for Frabricio, as ‘Vai Cavalo’ had previously suffered losses to Alexander Volkov and Alexei Oleinik respectively.
Rory MacDonald reacts after beating Curtis Millender at PFL 2
Adam D Martin - April 30, 2021
Former UFC and Bellator welterweight star Rory MacDonald reacted after beating Curtis Millender by first-round submission at PFL 2. MacDonald hadn’t fought since October 2019, when he dropped a decision to Douglas Lima in Bellator in what was his final fight before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After taking all of 2020 off, PFL is back for its third season in 2021, and MacDonald was matched up in his first regular-season fight against Millender at PFL 2 on Thursday night. It didn’t take long for “The Red King” to land the takedown, take the back of Millender, and get back in the win column. It was a fantastic win by MacDonald and showed he’s still a talented fighter.
Curtis Millender plans to "hurt" and "punish" Rory MacDonald at PFL 2 "to get some more respect on my name"
Cole Shelton - April 27, 2021
Curtis Millender jumped at the chance to compete in PFL and fight Rory MacDonald. After David Michaud was forced out of the fight, the PFL signed UFC and Bellator veteran, Curtis Millender to face MacDonald. It is a big opportunity for “Curtious” who says this is a bucket list fight for him.
Anthony Pettis issues statement following loss to Clay Collard at PFL 1
Christopher Taylor - April 24, 2021
Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis has issued a statement following his unanimous decision loss to Clay Collard at PFL 1. Pettis (24-11 MMA) made his Professional Fighters League debut at Friday’s event in Atlantic City where he squared off with Collard in the opening round of the promotions lightweight tournament.
Pros react after Clay Collard defeats Anthony Pettis at PFL 1
Cole Shelton - April 23, 2021
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returned this evening for their first event of 2021 with PFL 1. The fight card featured featherweights and lightweights and in the main event, Anthony Pettis battled Clay Collard.
PFL 1: 'Pettis vs. Collard' Live Results and Highlights
Cole Shelton - April 23, 2021
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns for their first event of 2021 with PFL 1. The fight card features the featherweights and lightweights and in the main event, Anthony Pettis battles Clay Collard. Anthony Pettis (24-10) is riding a two-fight winning streak and signed with the PFL after fighting out his UFC contract. The former UFC lightweight champ earned decision wins over Alex Morono and Donald Cerrone after being submitted by Diego Ferreira and losing a decision to Nate Diaz. In his career, “Showtime” holds notable wins over Stephen Thompson, Michael Chiesa, Charles Oliveira, Benson Henderson, and Gilbert Melendez.
Photo | Anthony Pettis looks absolutely shredded ahead of PFL debut
Adam D Martin - April 22, 2021
Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis looks absolutely shredded ahead of his debut with PFL, the Professional Fighters League. Pettis left the UFC following a decision win over Alex Morono and in free agency, it was PFL who made the best offer to him. With the allure of a $1 million grand prize, it was an offer that Pettis couldn’t refuse and so he signed with the PFL. In his first fight with the promotion, he takes on former UFC featherweight Clay Collard on Friday night.
Clay Collard plans to have a "statement" win over Anthony Pettis to prove "he's one of the best"
Cole Shelton - April 20, 2021
Clay Collard is excited to get back into MMA. In 2019 and 2020, Collard had 14 boxing fights and he became a big boxing star for Top Rank. He was beating a ton of top prospects but his goal was to return to MMA and now that the PFL is back, Collard is eager for the chance to show off his complete skill set.
Anthony Pettis wants to box after PFL run, explains Oscar De La Hoya situation
Drake Riggs - April 13, 2021
Former UFC champion Anthony Pettis has his hands full with the upcoming PFL season. However, the groundwork has already been laid for some boxing. After boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya recently announced his return to the ring, Pettis’ manager revealed that the Golden Boy Promotions founder had turned down “Showtime” as his opponent.
David Michaud announces withdrawal from PFL tournament due to heart condition, career in doubt
Adam D Martin - April 8, 2021
PFL welterweight contender David Michaud announced his withdrawal from the PFL tournament due to a heart condition and his career is in doubt. Michaud is a former UFC fighter and current PFL standout who was expected to compete in the promotion’s upcoming welterweight tournament. As part of the regular season, “The Bulldawg” was scheduled to meet former UFC title contender Rory MacDonald in what would have been an awesome fight. Unfortunately for Michaud, he is out of the fight and out of the tournament due to serious health issues that have left his career in jeopardy.
PFL Promotes Loren Mack to Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications
bjpenndotcom - April 7, 2021
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced the promotion of Loren Mack to Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, just weeks ahead of the start of the PFL’s upcoming 2021 season, which begins on April 23rd on ESPN 2. Mack is an integral part of a broader executive team that is poised for excellence as they continue to work towards the growth of the PFL brand around the globe.