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The Professional Fighters League (PFL) mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion has announced the launch of a new European league in 2023.
PFL Europe events will be staged in countries across the continent, broadcast and streamed primetime, and feature emerging fighters.
The PFL added that the league will provide a direct pathway for European fighters to make it to its global talent roster.
As part of the new venture, prospects from the continent will compete on the 13th August and 20th August cards in Cardiff and London respectively, in hopes of earning a contract for PFL Europe. Britain’s Dakota Ditcheva, Ireland’s Will Fleury, Italy’s Francesco Nuzzi and Scotland’s Louie Sutherland will all be competing to join the league.
The promotion added that PFL Europe will be the first of multiple international leagues. The announcement comes after the PFL teamed up with event promoter Live Nation Entertainment in May for a partnership aiming to expand the US-based promotion’s international presence.
“I am pleased to announce the PFL will launch PFL Europe in 2023 to further advance the sport of MMA and fuel PFL’s next phase of global expansion starting in Europe, the number one international MMA growth region,“ said Peter Murray, chief executive of the PFL.
“Europe is rich with top fighters who are ready to compete in the PFL’s season format on a major stage and passionate MMA fans throughout the region will now have access to premium events staged in Europe.”
Ray Sefo, president of fighter operations at the PFL, added: “It has been an extremely rewarding experience putting together PFL Europe qualifier fights alongside our partners at Live Nation.
“PFL is about opportunity, and we are proud of the opportunity we are providing fighters across Europe.”
