What Is The PFL, And How Is It Different From The UFC?

Despite being just a few years old, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has already had a significant impact. In terms of MMA domination, the UFC still holds a tight grip, but the PFL is solidifying its position as the second-most well-liked MMA promotion. The PFL may possibly expand beyond its current size thanks to its distinctive season structure.

Origin Of Professional Fighters League

It’s possible that the PFL is unfamiliar because the MMA league is so young. The Professional Fighters League debuted in 2018, claims Market Realist. The World Series of Fighting, which existed before the Professional Fighters League, may be well-known to MMA enthusiasts.

After taking over the faltering World Series of Fighting in 2017, Donn Davis and Russ Ramsey made the decision to fully change the organisation into the PFL. Since it became the PFL, other investors have joined the ownership group, including musician Wiz Khalifa.

Since the league changed its name to the PFL in 2018, it has held regular seasons, with the 2020 season being postponed because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. One thing that quickly sets it apart from most MMA promoters is its annual season system. The PFL works up to a spectacular finale in which new champions are crowned each season rather than having existing champions defend their belts all season.

Functioning Of Professional Fighters League

The PFL is split into six weight classes, and each fighter competes in two matches during a PFL regular season, according to ESPN. The four boxers in each weight class with the most points from the regular season matches advance to the postseason. The single-elimination playoff victor is crowned the division champion and receives a $1 million prize.

Individual PFL fights and the entire season are made exciting by the point system. A fighter receives three points for a decision victory, whereas a loss results in zero points. Due of boxers’ incentives to win fights quickly through knockout or submission, points become interesting. According to Sportskeeda, winners receive six points for first-round triumphs and five points for second-round victories.

Fighters in each division compete multiple times a season for a spot in the PFL Finals. The divisions are the following (since 2022):

  • Heavyweight
  • Light Heavyweight
  • Welterweight
  • Lightweight (men and women’s)
  • Featherweight

The winner of the PFL Finals takes home the championship title from their division and $1 million.

Fighters that compete within the organization include Kayla Harrison, Brendan Loughnane, Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Ray Cooper III, Chris Wade, and Marlon Moraes.

One aspect that distinguishes the Professional Fighters League from other organisations is matchmaking throughout the season. In the majority of MMA leagues, fights are scheduled to provide compelling card lineups, and many behind-the-scenes circumstances may influence which fights actually take place. No matter how well-known they are, every fighter in it has two regular-season matches. They can only advance if they score enough points.

How much do the Professional fighters League make?

Another key difference is the pay structure. In the UFC and Bellator, the salary for a champion is not as guaranteed compared to the $1 million prize fighters compete for in the PFL.

However, outside of the $1 million, the fighters do earn a paycheck. This past season, it 4, 5, and 6 took place inside Overtime Elite Arena in Georgia. MMA Junkie shared the show and win purses, via the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission:

  • Alex Martinez ($38,000) def. Clay Collard ($28,000) in the main event of PFL 4
  • Olivier Aubin-Mercier ($54,000) def. Raush Manfio ($27,000) at PFL 4
  • Matheus Scheffel ($20,000) def. Bruno Cappelozza ($40,000) in the main event of PFL 5
  • Stevie Ray ($80,000) def. Anthony Pettis ($750,000) at PFL 5
  • Kayla Harrison ($500,000) def.Kaitlin Young ($20,000) in the main event of PFL 6
  • Sadibou Sy ($52,000) def. Rory MacDonald ($250,000) at PFL 6

What Makes PFL Different From UFC?

Viewers will observe that the action in the cage is what they have come to expect from MMA, despite the fact that it differs from the UFC in terms of season structure. Viewers may anticipate seeing the same strikes and grips they see in the UFC because the Professional Fighters League adheres to the same Unified Rules of MMA as the UFC.

One feature that distinguishes the it from rivals and attracts combatants is equal prize money. I News claims that Claressa Shields, a legendary boxer, joined the PFL in part because female champions received the same pay as men champions.

One of the primary selling factors for the PFL has been how the fighters are treated. According to Bleacher Report, the PFL once changed the time of a match for MMA veteran Andre Harrison so that Harrison could attend his daughter’s birthday celebration. This is a minor incident, but it shows how unique the nascent combat promotion is and what can help it advance in the future.

Champions

2022 World Champions

Division Upper weight limit Champion Date
Heavyweight 265 lb (120 kg; 18.9 st) Ante Delija November 25, 2022 (PFL 10)
Light Heavyweight 205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st) Rob Wilkinson November 25, 2022 (PFL 10)
Welterweight 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st) Sadibou Sy November 25, 2022 (PFL 10)
Lightweight 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st) Olivier Aubin-Mercier November 25, 2022 (PFL 10)
Women’s Lightweight 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st) Larissa Pacheco November 25, 2022 (PFL 10)
Featherweight 145 lb (66 kg; 10.5 st) Brendan Loughnane November 25, 2022 (PFL 10)

 

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