Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
Dana White responds to Donn Davis' fighter pay comments: “I do see them waste unbelievable amounts of money”
Zain Bando - September 6, 2023
Regarding fighter pay, Dana White and the UFC’s stance has not changed in recent years. During a 2022 GQ video in which White, UFC president since 2001, went undercover to answer fan questions across social media, he reiterated that his roster gets compensated fairly and money is “spread out” among the roster pool.
Jake Paul celebrates PFL's Saudi Arabia deal as UFC shares plunge: "Big Business"
Josh Evanoff - September 1, 2023
PFL star Jake Paul was happy to see the UFC’s shares fall earlier today. ‘The Problem Child’ has yet to step foot in the cage, but did sign with the company earlier this year. Nonetheless, Jake Paul is fresh off his win over Nate Diaz last month in their high-profile boxing match. Following the victory, the YouTuber called for the rematch to take place in the cage.
PFL reportedly in discussions to buy Bellator for as much as $500 million
Cole Shelton - September 1, 2023
The PFL is reportedly in discussions with Bellator to buy the rival MMA promotion. For months now, it has been reported that Bellator was up for sale. With that, the future of the promotion was uncertain. Bellator president Scott Coker had even confirmed the PFL had reached out to talk about potentially buying the promotion.
PFL sells $100 million dollar minority ownership stake to Saudi Arabia's PIF
Josh Evanoff - August 30, 2023
The PFL is the latest sports organization to get a massive investment from Saudi Arabia. Over the last few months, the promotion has been vocal about their desire to challenge the UFC. To their credit, they’ve signed some massive names to make that a reality. In 2023 alone, the PFL has signed free agents such as Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano, Savannah Marshall, and more.
Boxing champion Claressa Shields signs new multi-year contract to return to the PFL
Josh Evanoff - August 10, 2023
PFL has signed a multi-year agreement with women’s boxing champion Claressa Shields. The ‘GWOAT’ is one of the more colorful figures in the world of boxing. In the last few weeks, she’s called out both Jake Paul and Keith Thurman for intergender boxing matches. While the latter showed interest, it seems that Claressa Shields will now be returning to the world of MMA.
Jake Paul believes people will claim his MMA fight against Nate Diaz will be "rigged" after he wins
Cole Shelton - August 7, 2023
Jake Paul is confident he will be able to beat Nate Diaz in MMA after defeating him in boxing. Paul picked up a decision victory over Diaz on Saturday in their boxing match. In the lead-up to the fight, Paul had said he would rematch Diaz in the PFL and a $10 million offer was put on the table. After his win, the YouTuber-turned-boxer doubled down on the claim saying he wanted to fight Diaz in MMA.
Nate Diaz opens as gigantic favorite in potential MMA fight against Jake Paul
Cole Shelton - August 7, 2023
Nate Diaz has opened as a massive betting favorite for a potential MMA fight against Jake Paul. Diaz and Paul headlined a boxing pay-per-view on Saturday and it was ‘The Problem Child’ who got a decision win. After the fight, Paul confirmed his desire to rematch Diaz in MMA in the PFL as he wanted to prove he can beat the Stockton native under a mixed martial arts ruleset as well.
Nate Diaz responds to Jake Paul’s $10 million offer for an MMA fight
Harry Kettle - August 3, 2023
Nate Diaz has given his thoughts on Jake Paul’s offer for the two to compete in an MMA fight for $10 million. This Saturday night, Nate Diaz and Jake Paul will collide in the boxing ring. They’ll do so with the world watching and with Diaz making his pro debut after years of teasing a move into the squared circle. Paul, meanwhile, will attempt to bounce back from his recent loss to Tommy Fury.
Randy Couture praises Francis Ngannou scoring Tyson Fury fight: "He stood up for our sport"
Josh Evanoff - July 18, 2023
PFL commentator Randy Couture has reacted to Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury. ‘The Predator’ announced his boxing debut against ‘The Gypsy King’ earlier this month. After months of speculation after Francis Ngannou left the UFC, he somehow got the deal done. In October, the PFL heavyweight will face Tyson Fury, and there are few happier than Randy Couture.
Jake Paul reveals $10 million dollar offer to Nate Diaz for future PFL fight: "Offer is still there"
Josh Evanoff - July 17, 2023
Jake Paul is still willing to fight Nate Diaz in the PFL cage after their August boxing match. ‘The Problem Child’ has been out of action since his split-decision loss to Tommy Fury in February. That was the first loss of the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s career thus far. Following the defeat, Jake Paul signaled his next fight would be a rematch with ‘TNT’, but quickly changed course.
PFL hires USADA to test fighters after recent wave of drug failures
Josh Evanoff - July 11, 2023
The PFL has decided to hire USADA after a recent string of drug failures. In April, the company had a series of fighters fail their drug tests in Nevada. Furthermore, it wasn’t just a prelim fighter or two, it was multiple high-profile competitors. Former tournament winners Rob Wilkinson and Bruno Cappelozza tested positive, as did new signee Thiago Santos.
Deontay Wilder gives update on PFL fight with Francis Ngannou: "He knows what the deal is"
Josh Evanoff - June 29, 2023
Boxing star Deontay Wilder is still interested in facing Francis Ngannou in the PFL. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is currently looking to book his return to the boxing ring. Deontay Wilder has been out of the ring since a knockout win over Robert Helenius last Fall. Since then, he’s been linked to several high-profile fights with names such as Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr.
PFL 6 Fighter salaries: Shane Burgos takes home $100k
Susan Cox - June 26, 2023
The PFL (Professional Fighters League) made it’s return this past Friday, and Shane Burgos was among the top earners. Burgos, 32, left the UFC in 2022 and subsequently signed on with the PFL .
Raush Manfio's manager slams PFL over regular season suspension: "Just a bad look"
Fernando Quiles - June 25, 2023
Raush Manfio’s manager is none too pleased with the PFL’s decision to suspend his fighter and Natan Schulte from the 2023 regular season. Much has been made over the recent PFL 6 bout between Raush Manfio and Natan Schulte. The two went one-on-one during the preliminary portion of the card. Fight fans got very little action with this one, and it was quite clear that both men hesitated. As it turns out, Raush Manfio and Natan Schulte have a close friendship. Schulte also happens to be the godfather of Manfio’s daughter.
Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio receive suspensions from PFL for substandard performance in Atlanta
Fernando Quiles - June 25, 2023
The PFL has suspended two fighters from the 2023 season. Natan Schulte and Rush Manfio were in action for PFL 6 this past Friday (June 23). The two shared the cage on the preliminary portion of the card. It was a bizarre fight with very little action. Schulte won the bout via unanimous decision.
Shane Burgos expects "fireworks" against Yamato Nishikawa at PFL 6 as he needs a finish to make playoffs
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
Shane Burgos knows his PFL 6 fight against Yamato Nishikawa is do-or-die for his season. Burgos left the UFC last year and proceeded to sign with PFL, competing at lightweight as part of their tournament format. Unfortunately, in his debut, ‘Hurricane’ suffered a decision loss to Olivier Aubin-Mercier. The setback was disappointing, but Burgos is just glad he gets to fight again so soon.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 127 with Shane Burgos, Randy Brown, and Gillian Robertson
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
The 127th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of 2023 PFL 6 and UFC Jacksonville aka UFC on ABC 5. We’re first joined by former UFC featherweight and current PFL lightweight Shane Burgos (1:38). Next, UFC welterweight Randy Brown (13:42) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC strawweight Gillian Robertson (28:26).
PFL 5 Fighter Salaries: Aspen Ladd earns $92k more than opponent Karolina Sobek
Harry Kettle - June 19, 2023
The fighter salaries for PFL 5 have been released, highlighting a big gap between Aspen Ladd and her defeated opponent. Following yet another PFL event last week, the promotion is rolling through to the halfway point of their annual season. A parade of big fights took place at the event, in addition to a showdown between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, with one of the biggest names on the card itself being Aspen Ladd.