WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 23: Tyler Hill walks to the cage before fighting Shido Boris Esperanca … [+] during the PFL 2024 Playoffs at The Anthem on August 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The upcoming year needs to be a big one for the Professional Fighters League.
With major signings like Francis Ngannou, the acquisition of Bellator’s strong roster, Saudi backing, and the emergence of stars like Paul Hughes and Dakota Ditcheva, the level of expectations is now higher for the world’s No. 2 MMA promotion.
I’ve had extensive conversations with people throughout the industry over the past few months, and there is reason to believe the PFL is aiming to swing for the fences in 2025. PFL owner Donn Davis told fans to expect big things from the promotions in the coming year.
Will they succeed? That remains to be seen, but there are five significant changes I’ve either heard about or strongly suspect will happen in 2025 or early in 2026.
Increase the Number of Events Up to 32
Count this one as a near definite.
I’ve heard from multiple sources the PFL will have 32 events in 2025, which is twice the number it did in 2023. More events are generally a good sign there is financial backing and something in reserve.
These events are likely to be spread across regional events, the PFL Challenger Series, PFL SuperFights, and the season format or traditional events. More on this a little later.
Dropping the Bellator Brand
This information hasn’t been out there as much, but based on things I’ve heard, PFL is set to distance itself from the Bellator brand. From what I’ve heard, the handoff from Bellator to PFL officials wasn’t exactly smooth.
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 26: President of Bellator Scott Coker speaks onstage during the Bellator-DAZN … [+] announcement press conference on June 26, 2018 at Viacom in New York City. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Bellator MMA)
According to sources, former Bellator head man Scott Coker was unhappy with the transition, and before he left, he locked fighters into some questionable contracts that didn’t do the PFL any favors.
Beyond those rumors, PFL will likely look to eliminate any potential confusion about the No. 2 promotion in the world by bringing all of its fighters under the same branding.
The PFL Will Do More Saudi Events
Arguably the PFL’s most valuable asset is its business relationship with Saudi company SRJ Sports. The firm bought a minority stake in the promotion in August 2023.
The relationship has helped facilitate the events the PFL has had in the region, including the Battle of the Giants event that featured Ngannou’s return to MMA in October.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 19: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon (4th L) defeats Renan Ferreira (not … [+] seen) of Brazil during a match organized by Professional Fighters League MENA in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The PFL is certain to do more events in Saudi Arabia, likely increasing the number of shows there.
Dumping the Season Format
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 02: Dakota Ditcheva celebrates after defeating Jena Bishop during the PFL … [+] 2024 Playoffs at the Municipal Auditorium on August 2, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The PFL may not dump the season format in 2025, but I’d be shocked if it makes it to 2026. We still haven’t seen this format work in combat sports, and quite frankly, I don’t think we ever will.
The PFL will likely need to move away from this approach while also potentially combining some of its regional brands like PFL MENA, PFL Europe, and the as-yet-launched PFL Africa.
I’d expect the PFL to still try to do events in those places, but the number of branches on their undeveloped tree is preventing foundational growth.
More Crossover Fights
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 15: Mike Tyson (in black short) and Jake Paul (in silver short) exchange … [+] punches during their heavyweight world titles of the Premiere Boxing Championship on Friday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Love it or hate it, crossover fights with the right names are wildly successful. We’ve seen Claressa Shields compete in the PFL SmartCage, among others.
The PFL’s relationship with Paul is one they must capitalize on at some point in 2025. It seems the Paul vs. Nate Diaz MMA fight is a long shot.
However, getting Paul in the PFL SmartCage will be a major boon for the brand. Quite honestly, it would be a surprise if that event didn’t produce more viewers than any UFC event aside from a show headlined by Conor McGregor.
In addition to getting Paul in the cage, the promotion is seriously discussing Ngannou facing kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven. While not on the level of a Paul fight, that crossover bout has some solid appeal.
As we move into 2025, we’ll learn how many of these concepts come to pass for the PFL.
