Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
Watch | Dan Hardy’s live reaction to Jesus Pinedo upsetting Brendan Loughnane at PFL 4 (Video)
Harry Kettle - June 9, 2023
PFL commentator Dan Hardy couldn’t hide his disappointment in seeing Brendan Loughnane get finished last night. Ever since leaving the UFC, Dan Hardy has been a hot commodity. He’s incredibly knowledgable within the industry, he’s passionate, and he’s a fantastic commentator. So, then, it’s no surprise that PFL showed great interest in bringing him over.
Watch | Jesus Pinedo stops Brendan Loughnane in shocking PFL upset (Video)
Harry Kettle - June 9, 2023
Jesus Pinedo shocked the mixed martial arts world last night by finishing reigning champion Brendan Loughnane at PFL 4. The PFL’s league format certainly makes for some fun drama. Between qualifying for the playoffs and the playoffs themselves, we’ve seen a lot of twists and turns across its existence. Last year, we saw a great story play out at featherweight as Brendan Loughnane finally climbed to the top of the mountain and claimed the $1 million prize.
WATCH | Marlon Moraes suffers seventh-straight knockout loss at PFL 4, announces retirement
Cole Shelton - June 8, 2023
Marlon Moraes suffered another knockout loss this evening and subsequently announced his retirement from MMA. Moraes was taking on Gabriel Braga on the prelims of PFL 4 in the second and final regular season matchup for the featherweights. Right away, Braga went after Moraes and appeared to stun him with a hard shot.
Reigning champ Rob Wilkinson becomes 10th PFL fighter to fail a drug test, removed from 2023 season
Cole Shelton - May 31, 2023
Rob Wilkinson, the reigning PFL light heavyweight champion, has failed a drug test and been removed from the 2023 season. MMAMania was the first to report the news that Wilkinson has been pulled from PFL 4, which takes place on June 8 after failing a drug test following his win over former UFC title challenger, Thiago Santos, at PFL 1 in April.
Randy Couture believes Francis Ngannou signing with PFL makes them the clear number two promotion
Cole Shelton - May 30, 2023
UFC Hall of Famer and current PFL commentator, Randy Couture believes the PFL is the clear number two promotion after signing Francis Ngannou. After Ngannou fought out his UFC deal, he made it clear he wanted to box but also wanted to continue his MMA career. After months of negotiating, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League, which was a huge acquisition for the promotion. With that, Couture says this is just the first step in becoming the biggest MMA promotion.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 124 with Randy Couture, Jim Miller, and Daniel Pineda
Cole Shelton - May 30, 2023
The 124th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Vegas 74 this weekend and to talk Francis Ngannou’s signing with the PFL. We’re first joined by UFC Hall of Famer and PFL commentator Randy Couture (1:11). Next, UFC lightweight Jim Miller (20:49) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC featherweight Daniel Pineda (40:31).
PFL founder Donn Davis takes aim at Dana White over his criticism of Francis Ngannou's contract
Cole Shelton - May 23, 2023
Donn Davis, the founder of PFL, has fired back at Dana White. Last week, Francis Ngannou officially signed his contract with PFL and he is expected to debut in 2024, as well as getting to be an executive in PFL Africa among others. Although all the details weren’t out there, UFC president, Dana White was surprised by PFL’s deal as he doesn’t think the promotion knows what they are doing.
Henry Cejudo questions “where the hell is PFL getting all this money” following Francis Ngannou acquisition
Harry Kettle - May 23, 2023
Henry Cejudo has questioned where PFL is getting its funding from following their recent deal with Francis Ngannou. The recent acquisition of Francis Ngannou was huge news for PFL. They’ve been making steady gains for a while now, but bringing in a name like Francis was a real statement of intent. They made it known that they aren’t here to mess around, offering ‘The Predator’ an incredibly lucrative deal.
UFC champion Israel Adesanya weighs in on Francis Ngannou signing with PFL: “It creates a big ripple in the game”
Harry Kettle - May 19, 2023
UFC champion Israel Adesanya has praised Francis Ngannou following the announcement that he has signed a deal with PFL. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Francis Ngannou had signed with PFL. In addition to the signing itself, plenty of details were also released, which included guaranteed seven-figure purses for his opponents, a big role in PFL Africa, the ability to compete in boxing and more. Whichever way you look at it, Francis Ngannou will be making a lot of money.
Pro Fighters react to Francis Ngannou’s new contract with PFL: “Congrats on the biggest deal in MMA history”
Harry Kettle - May 17, 2023
A parade of fighters have given their thoughts on the news that Francis Ngannou has opted to sign a deal with the PFL. Earlier this week, it was announced that Francis Ngannou had signed a deal with the PFL. In addition to fighting with the MMA promotion next year, he’ll also take on several other roles – and he’ll also be allowed to pursue a boxing venture.
Jake Paul sends welcome message to “baddest man on the planet” Francis Ngannou after signing with PFL
Susan Cox - May 16, 2023
Jake Paul is sending a welcome message to the ‘baddest man on the planet’, Francis Ngannou, after signing with PFL. The news broke this morning that Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, had signed with the Professional Fighters League.
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).
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.
Kayla Harrison reveals that uncertainty with tournament and Cris Cyborg's future could lead to missing all of 2023: "Just trying to stay patient"
Josh Evanoff - April 5, 2023
Former PFL women’s lightweight tournament winner Kayla Harrison is unsure of her future. The Judoka has been out of action since her trilogy bout with Larissa Pacheco last November. While the pair headlined PFL’s maiden voyage on pay-per-view, few expected the matchup to be competitive. In their previous two matchups, Harrison dominated and won every single round.
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.
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.