Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
Curtis Millender replaces David Michaud, meets Rory MacDonald at PFL 2021, Week 2
Cole Shelton - April 9, 2021
Curtis Millender is getting a big opportunity. Originally, UFC veteran and former Bellator champion, Rory MacDonald was set to make his PFL debut against David Michaud. Yet, Michaud revealed he can no longer compete due to a heart disorder. But, according to MMAJunkie, UFC and Bellator veteran, Curtis Millender has agreed to step up on short notice to battle MacDonald on April 29.
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.
Anthony Pettis weighs in on his upcoming debut with PFL: “I’ve got a target on my back, I’ve already seen it”
Harry Kettle - April 6, 2021
Former UFC champion Anthony Pettis knows that there is a target on his back as he prepares for his big debut with PFL. Pettis is set to battle Clay Collard on April 23 in his season opener as his quest to win the promotion’s lightweight tournament begins. We all know “Showtime” to be one of the most exciting lightweights in the history of mixed martial arts, but at this stage of his career, he still needs to prove to the masses that he has what it takes to succeed.
Manager says Oscar De La Hoya declined Anthony Pettis comeback fight
Drake Riggs - March 26, 2021
Oscar De La Hoya is making his comeback and he wants a notable UFC name to square off with. Anthony Pettis wasn’t good enough, according to his manager. Prior to Friday’s Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren pre-fight press conference, De La Hoya told Snoop Dogg that he’s getting back in the ring in July. To follow things up, ESPN’s Marc Raimondi reported that De La Hoya’s return bout on July 3 will likely happen in Arlington, Texas at AT&T Stadium where he wants “a big UFC name.” Thus prompting a response from the manager of Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, Malki Kawa.
Kenny Florian joins PFL commentary team
Adam D Martin - March 23, 2021
Former UFC lightweight title challenger Kenny Florian is taking his talents to the PFL commentary booth for the promotion’s third season. Florian, arguably one of the most popular fighters in UFC history, formerly called fights in the Octagon but left the UFC commentary booth a few years ago. He has continued to host the “Anik and Florian” podcast alongside current UFC mic man Jon Anik, as well as provide commentary for the BattleBots television show. But Florian’s calling has always been the fight game, and ahead of PFL’s third season, the promotion has brought him on to call fights. He will do so alongside UFC Hall of Fame Randy Couture and Sean O’Connell.
Antonio Carlos Junior "happy" to sign with PFL after surprise UFC release, expects to submit Tom Lawlor
Cole Shelton - March 16, 2021
Antonio Carlos Junior didn’t think he was fighting for his job at UFC 257. Carlos Junior was making his return to the Octagon after over a year away against Brad Tavares. In the fight, the Brazilian was looking to get the fight to the ground but Tavares managed to keep the contest on the feet and outstrike him to win a decision. After the fight, it was revealed Carlos Junior was released which caught him by surprise.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 32 with Jan Blachowicz, Antonio Carlos Junior, Max Griffin, Grant Dawson, JP Buys, Adrian Yanez
Cole Shelton - March 16, 2021
The 32nd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com is here ahead of UFC Vegas 22. var _bp = _bp||[]; _bp.push({ "div": "Brid_50564923", "obj": {"id":"22947","width":"100%","height":"","video":"741163"} });
Rory MacDonald set to make PFL welterweight debut against David Michaud
Adam Martin - March 2, 2021
Former UFC title contender Rory MacDonald is set to soon make his PFL welterweight debut against David Michaud when they square off in April. PFL is set to return this spring for its third season after missing all of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The promotion has brought in a number of new fighters to improve its roster, with six divisions of 10 fighters each, including tournament fighters and alternates. One of those fighters is MacDonald, the former Bellator welterweight champion. “The Red King” signed with PFL in late 2019 and was expected to fight in 2020, but his promotional debut was delayed until now as we now have a date for his next fight.
Claressa Shields thanks Conor McGregor for support, offers MMA star some advice
Tom Taylor - February 26, 2021
Decorated boxing champion Claressa Shields has responded to a message of support from Conor McGregor, and offered the Irishman some advice in return. Shields, a multi-division boxing champion, is gearing up to venture into mixed martial arts under the PFL banner.
PFL announces new signings, including Gleison Tibau
Adam Martin - February 25, 2021
PFL announced several new additions to its upcoming season three rosters with former UFC fighter Gleison Tibau among the new signings. PFL’s third season is set to kick off in April. The promotion did not hold events during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but looks to come back with a bang in 2021 on ESPN+. The promotion recently announced the mostly-complete rosters for the six weight classes it will hold tournaments for this year, but there were several noticeable spots on the roster that were labeled as “TBD.” The promotion is now ready to announce who will fill in those last few spots in the season three PFL tournaments. Check the signings out below.
Video | Get to know PFL's Ray Sefo
Tom Taylor - February 25, 2021
Ray Sefo is both a legend of the kickboxing ring, and a key executive at The Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Ray Cooper believes Rory MacDonald hasn't been the same since UFC, 'He's just another guy'
Drake Riggs - February 16, 2021
The PFL 2021 season is shaping up to be a good one. Among the most notable new roster additions is Rory MacDonald — and last year’s champion, Ray Cooper III, is not impressed. After dropping his Bellator welterweight title in a rematch against Douglas Lima on October 26, 2019, MacDonald parted ways with the promotion. Now he finds himself once again on the hunt for a million dollars at the end of the PFL tournament.
Fabricio Werdum, Kayla Harrison highlight PFL heavyweight and women's lightweight brackets
Adam Martin - February 9, 2021
Fabricio Werdum and Kayla Harrison are among the fighters in the upcoming PFL season three men’s heavyweight and women’s lightweight brackets. PFL’s third season kicks off in April and the promotion has been busy in the last week releasing the rosters for its light heavyweight, welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight rosters. On Tuesday, PFL released the rosters for heavyweight and women’s lightweight. Among the participants in these tournaments are former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum and women’s star Kayla Harrison.
Cris Cyborg responds after Kayla Harrison accuses her of not “signing on the dotted line”
Harry Kettle - February 5, 2021
Cris Cyborg has issued a response after potential opponent and PFL star Kayla Harrison claimed she didn’t “sign on the dotted line” when given the chance to fight her last year. In 2020 there was a great deal of speculation surrounding the future of Cyborg and where she’d end up going next, with PFL reportedly being in the running to secure her signature. In the end, though, Bellator was her chosen destination.
Kayla Harrison issues gutsy response to latest callout from Cris Cyborg
Harry Kettle - February 4, 2021
PFL star Kayla Harrison has given her thoughts on a potential fight against Cris Cyborg after the latter’s latest callout. Harrison, who took her professional MMA record to 8-0 with a dominant win over Courtney King at Invicta FC 43 back in November, is waiting for the opportunity to get back inside the cage once again as the hype behind her continues to grow.
Photo | Rory MacDonald appears to be in phenomenal condition ahead of his PFL debut
Chris Taylor - January 30, 2021
Former UFC title challenger and Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald appears to be in phenomenal shape ahead of his PFL debut. MacDonald (21-6-1 MMA) signed with the Professional Fighters League following a six-fight stint with Bellator. “The Red King” is coming off a loss to Douglas Lima in his most recent effort, which occurred back in October of 2019. Prior to that setback, Rory MacDonald was coming off a unanimous decision victory over Neiman Gracie.
Rory MacDonald open to UFC comeback following million-dollar title run in PFL
Adam Martin - January 28, 2021
Former UFC title challenger and current PFL welterweight Rory MacDonald said he is open to a return to the Octagon in the future. MacDonald is currently signed to PFL and will participate in the promotion’s upcoming third season on ESPN. Ever the consummate veteran, “The Red King” is of course currently focused on winning the PFL welterweight tournament and taking home the $1 million dollar grand prize. But when a fan asked him during a recent Q&A session if he would ever make a return to the UFC, MacDonald said he would be open to it.