Professional Fighters League (PFL) News
Former UFC star Francis Ngannou defends his professional boxing career
Harry Kettle - August 2, 2024
Joe Rogan endorses Cédric Doumbé's superstar potential in PFL: "Big loss for the UFC!"
Curtis Calhoun - July 23, 2024
Joe Rogan feels the UFC made a significant error in not sealing the deal on securing Cédric Doumbé’s MMA career. Doumbé bounced back from his first professional MMA loss by knocking out Jaleel Willis at Bellator Paris in May. He got back in the win column following a controversial loss to Baissangour Chamsoudinov in March.
Francis Ngannou announces PFL debut against Renan Ferreira is expected for October 19th in Saudi Arabia
Josh Evanoff - July 23, 2024
Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira will finally be going down in the PFL cage later this year. ‘The Predator’ hasn’t been seen since his second-round knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in February. The defeat was a devastating one for Francis Ngannou. Just a few months after nearly upsetting Tyson Fury in the boxing ring, he was utterly dominated by ‘AJ’. However, what the loss did guarantee was his return to the world of MMA.
PFL President provides an encouraging update on Francis Ngannou's MMA return
Curtis Calhoun - July 18, 2024
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s long-awaited PFL debut is drawing near, according to one of the league’s top officials. Ngannou hasn’t fought in MMA since a unanimous decision victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. One year after the fight, Ngannou opted to part ways with the UFC following a lengthy, strained contract dispute.
Jake Paul wants PFL fight against Mike Perry after boxing match: "My wrestling background is going to come out!"
Josh Evanoff - July 10, 2024
After Jake Paul faces Mike Perry in the boxing ring, he’s down to face him in the PFL cage. ‘The Problem Child’ and ‘Platinum’ are currently set to collide on July 20th in Florida. Jake Paul was originally set to meet Mike Tyson on that same date, but ‘Iron Mike’ was forced out due to medical issues. After the legendary heavyweight was forced to pull out, Mike Perry stepped up on a few weeks’ notice.
Renan Ferreira says he is just “waiting on the date” for Francis Ngannou showdown: “I’ve been ready for this”
Harry Kettle - June 20, 2024
PFL champion Renan Ferreira has said that he’s waiting on a date for his seemingly inevitable showdown with Francis Ngannou. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Francis Ngannou compete in a mixed martial arts setting. In recent times, he’s been focused on boxing. He battled Tyson Fury in an incredibly close fight, before going on to take on Anthony Joshua. While he did lose via knockout, nobody can deny that he’s made the biggest paydays of his career since leaving the UFC.
PFL re-signs undefeated prospect 'Baki' following upset victory over Cedric Doumbe
Josh Evanoff - June 18, 2024
The undefeated Baissangour ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov will be sticking with the PFL. The 22-year-old prospect known to many fans online simply as ‘Baki’ is considered one of the brightest talents at welterweight. The Frenchman currently holds an undefeated 8-0 record inside the cage, last appearing at PFL Europe 1 in March. There, Baissangour Chamsoudinov met fellow prospect, Cedric Doumbe.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 169 with Robert Whittaker and Impa Kasanganay
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024
The 169th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Saudi Arabia and PFL 5. We’re first joined by former UFC middleweight champion and current third-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker (1:18). We close it out by talking to PFL light heavyweight and reigning champion Impa Kasanganay (11:40).
Jake Paul accepts Sean O’Malley’s offer to “save” UFC 303: “PFL vs UFC June 29th”
Harry Kettle - June 13, 2024
Jake Paul has accepted Sean O’Malley’s offer to “save” UFC 303 by taking on the UFC bantamweight champion. As we know, the current status of the UFC 303 main event is uncertain. Conor McGregor is scheduled to take on Michael Chandler, but recent reports suggest that it may not happen. While we don’t know exactly why that is, the popular opinion is that ‘Notorious’ has picked up some kind of injury.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 168 with Shawne Merriman, Liz Carmouche, Taila Santos, and Brady Hiestand
Cole Shelton - June 11, 2024
The 168th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview PFL 4 and UFC Vegas 93. We’re first joined by former NFL star and current Lights Out XF owner Shawne Merriman (2:05). Next, we are joined by Bellator women’s flyweight champ and current PFL flyweight Liz Carmouche (21:12). Next, PFL flyweight Taila Santos (31:47) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight Brady Hiestand (45:24).
Savannah Marshall calls for MMA rematch with Claressa Shields after PFL debut: "I'm quite confident I'd do her in the cage"
Josh Evanoff - June 10, 2024
Women’s boxing star Savannah Marshall wants a rematch with Claressa Shields inside the PFL cage. ‘The Silent Assassin’ officially made the move to MMA over the weekend. Headlining PFL Europe 2, Savannah Marshall stepped into the cage for the first time opposite Mirela Vargas. In attendance was the British boxer’s longtime rival, Claressa Shields. Like Marshall, the ‘GWOAT’ is now fighting in MMA under the PFL banner.
Kayla Harrison sounds off on PFL founder Donn Davis's disparaging remarks: "I carried that company on my back!"
Curtis Calhoun - June 3, 2024
UFC bantamweight contender Kayla Harrison has issued her first public remarks since PFL founder Donn Davis’s comments about her move to the Octagon. Harrison won her highly-anticipated UFC debut at UFC 300, finishing former titleholder Holly Holm by second-round submission. She made her first appearance at 135lbs after fighting at 155lbs for the majority of her PFL career.
PFL signs former Bellator champion Douglas Lima to new deal after prior complaint about lack of fight offers
Josh Evanoff - May 28, 2024
It seems that former Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima will be sticking with the PFL. It’s been a rough few months for the Donn Davis-led MMA company. Late last year, the PFL finalized their purchase of Bellator and overhauled their roster. The addition of the likes of Cris Cyborg, Douglas Lima, A.J. McKee, and more had Davis confident that they could challenge the juggernaut that is the UFC.
PFL releases Gegard Mousasi after he threatens to sue the promotion
Cole Shelton - May 23, 2024
The PFL has released former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi. The promotion sent out a release announcing they have released Mousasi from his contract, just one day after he voiced his complaints with the promotion.
PFL's Donn Davis uses NBA stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant to diss UFC contender Kayla Harrison
Fernando Quiles - May 23, 2024
PFL owner Donn Davis has reacted to Kayla Harrison leaving his promotion in favor of UFC. Harrison made her UFC debut a successful one by submitting former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the second round. Harrison was on a big stage for her promotional debut at UFC 300, but she passed her first test with flying colors. Harrison was widely praised for her performance and many are wondering how much longer it’ll be before she challenges for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco accuse the PFL of "radio silence" regarding long-awaited fight
Josh Evanoff - May 22, 2024
It appears that Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco are the latest fighters to come out against the PFL. The Donn Davis-led company has had an interesting few months. Late last year, the PFL finalized their purchase of Bellator. While Scott Coker and other key executives were leaving the company, most of the roster was to stick around. After the purchase, PFL had a bolstered roster with the likes of Cris Cyborg, Patchy Mix, and more.
Gegard Mousasi threatens "legal action" against PFL over not getting fights
Cole Shelton - May 22, 2024
Former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi is threatening to sue the PFL. Mousasi has not fought since the PFL has bought Bellator and he has voiced his frustration because of that. Mousasi is not the only Bellator fighter to complain about not getting fights, as Douglas Lima and Cris Cyborg have had the same complaints.
Dan Hardy gives raw, honest response to Dana White's latest PFL/Bellator jabs: 'We're not perfect!'
Curtis Calhoun - May 7, 2024
PFL analyst and former UFC title challenger Dan Hardy admits that PFL has a long way to go before being universally recognized as a sustainable MMA product. UFC president and CEO Dana White has used some of his recent media availability to mock PFL’s popularity and standing in MMA. After a successful night at UFC 300, White aimed at PFL/Bellator for a low attendance the night before the UFC’s historic pay-per-view event.
Paul Hughes explains decision to sign with PFL over the UFC: “I deserve to get compensated”
Harry Kettle - May 2, 2024
Cage Warriors champion Paul Hughes has explained why he decided to sign for PFL ahead of UFC. For those of you who don’t know, Paul Hughes is a fascinating lightweight prospect. From his fight style to his impressive 11-1 pro record, there was always going to be a lot of intrigue when it comes to where he was going to sign next. In the end, though, instead of joining the likes of fellow countrymen Conor McGregor and Ian Machado Garry in the UFC, he opted for PFL.