Imminent Significant Alterations Predicted for the MMA Promotion's Operation
The upcoming year requires a significant leap for the Professional Fighter League (PFL).
Famous occurrences like the recruitment of Francis Ngannou, the incorporation of Bellator's robust roster, financial support from Saudi Arabia, and the emergence of stars such as Paul Hughes and Dakota Ditcheva have raised the pressure on the world's second-ranking MMA promotion.
I've engaged in in-depth talks with industry insiders recently, and there's valid speculation that PFL is planning a bold move in 2025. Donn Davis, PFL's owner, hinted at exciting developments in store for the promotion in the coming year.
However, will they succeed? Time will tell, but there are five significant alterations I've either heard about or strongly suspect will happen in 2025 or early 2026.
Expanding the Number of Events to 32
This is highly probable.
I've received information from multiple sources indicating that PFL will host 32 events in 2025, double the number it did in 2023. Increasing the number of events is typically a positive sign of financial support and growth.
These events will likely include regional events, the PFL Challenger Series, PFL SuperFights, the season format, or traditional events. I'll delve deeper into this soon.
Dropping the Bellator Brand
This detail hasn't surfaced as often, but based on what I've heard, PFL is planning to distance itself from the Bellator brand. Sources suggest that the transition from Bellator to PFL management was not seamless.
Rumors circulate that Scott Coker, the former head of Bellator, was unhappy with the transition and even imposed unfavorable contracts on PFL fighters before leaving.
PFL is likely to clear up any confusion by bringing all of its fighters under one unified branding.
More Saudi Events
PFL's most valuable asset is its association with Saudi company SRJ Sports. In August 2023, SRJ Sports acquired a minority stake in the promotion. This relationship has facilitated the PFL's events in the region, such as the "Battle of the Giants" event featuring Ngannou's MMA return in October.
The PFL will undoubtedly hold more events in Saudi Arabia, possibly increasing the number of shows.
Ditching the Season Format
The PFL might not abandon the season format in 2025, but if it does, I would be surprised if it survives until 2026. So far, this format has failed to produce results in combat sports.
The PFL will likely need to switch approaches while possibly merging some of its regional brands, such as PFL MENA, PFL Europe, and PFL Africa. I anticipate that the PFL will still aim to organize events in these regions but reduce the number of branches to strengthen the promotion's foundation.
More Crossover Fights
Whether you like it or not, crossover fights with notable names draw a huge crowd. We've witnessed athletes like Claressa Shields compete in the PFL SmartCage, for instance.
The PFL must take advantage of its relationship with Paul. While the idea of a Paul-Diaz MMA fight seems unlikely, having Paul compete in the PFL SmartCage is a significant opportunity for the brand. This event would likely generate more viewers than any UFC event aside from a McGregor headlined show.
Furthermore, the promotion is contemplating Ngannou facing kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. Although not as attractive as a Paul fight, this crossover contest still has some appeal.
As we move closer to 2025, we'll discover which of these predictions come to fruition for the PFL.
Jake Paul, known for his boxing and entertainment career, is reportedly being considered for a potential MMA fight within the PFL.
The Professional Fighter League (PFL) is rumored to announce Jake Paul's next fight as part of their expansion plans for 2025, which includes hosting 32 events.
Bellator and PFL might see a separation in management, with sources suggesting that PFL is looking to unify its fighters under a single brand and distance itself from Bellator.
In 2025, the Professional Fighter League (PFL) could organize more events in partnership with Saudi company SRJ Sports, following the success of the "Battle of the Giants" event featuring Francis Ngannou's MMA return.
