Mixed Martial Arts Has Room For Two At The Top With PFL Gaining Momentum

The Professional Fighters League continues to put together a roster filled with world-class and international athletes that are leading the charge alongside the UFC.

Led by the likes of Rory MacDonald, Kayla Harrison, and Ray Cooper III, the PFL recently announced the release of an OTT platform that will bring an extensive fight library and original content into the homes of millions around the world.

“With the launch of our first OTT platform, we’re excited to fulfill the growing global demand for our product by providing fight fans around the world with free access to premium PFL content wherever, whenever, and however they want to consume it,” said PFL Chief Executive Peter Murray. “Professional Fighters League is a media and content company. As we continue to grow, innovate, and reimagine MMA, we have placed an emphasis on engaging fans all year long through impactful storytelling and unprecedented access to the sport, our fighters, and the action inside the cage.”

While many promotions have tried to “fight” the UFC as the top MMA promotion in the world, the PFL sees room at the top for both to compete and push each other.

The PFL shifted away from the typical format to bring into play a season-long style complete with playoffs and championships in crowning winners who picked up $1 million checks at the end. The format has allowed for stars to know exactly who they would be competing against next with a big win.

In 2019, the PFL held six regular-season events over a 13-week span during the summer. In 2021, they plan to take advantage of a “bubble” to keep fighters and other personnel healthy and ready to go.

“We will have a form of a bubble to ensure all fighters and all event and production staff are safe,” Murray said. “We’re looking at what’s being done today in combat sports and other sports, things that are working, things that aren’t working.”

Over the years, the PFL has picked up some key sponsorships with global brands such as AB InBev and GEICO while also landing a deal to air events on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. The promotion is broadcast to 160 countries through premier broadcast partners.