The Professional Fighters League cancelled its 2020 season as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. While other organizations returned this year, the PFL thought it would be best to cancel the season and return in 2021.
The announcement was made this past April as many organizations had shut down operations.
BREAKING: Professional Fighters League Reschedules 2020 Season to 2021 Due to Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.
— PFL MMA (@ProFightLeague) April 20, 2020
Full Press Release: https://t.co/WKx6WrexZE pic.twitter.com/zEzBieKpWM
The PFL offered stipends to its contracted fighters. Yet, there was still consternation by some fighters as Bellator, the UFC and other regional promotions started to return to action by mid-2020. This drew the ire of some fighters that felt like that they were constrained from the chance at the $1M purse if they won the season tournament. A lawsuit was threatened at some point but was never followed through. It is worthy to note that PFL’s Kayla Harrison has participated in one Invicta event and was to have fought in another except her opponent pulled out for medical reasons.
For the PFL’s part, it has reloaded for the 2021 which it anticipates to start in April. The company signed former UFC fighters Anthony Pettis, Fabricio Werdun and Justin Willis. They also made waves by signing women’s boxing star Claressa Shields.
IT’S SHOWTIME!
— PFL MMA (@ProFightLeague) December 23, 2020
Welcome to the PFL, @Showtimepettis! pic.twitter.com/FwPDt3ozhF
The pens have lifted 🖊️
— PFL MMA (@ProFightLeague) December 1, 2020
The ink has dried 📜
Welcome to the PFL, @Claressashields 🐐 pic.twitter.com/opqqxrTvmr
During this downtime the PFL has made inroads in seeking to expand its future internationally in the future. It also has leveraged its tech for better fan engagement.
A lot will be banking on the PFL having a good season in 2021. With a year off, the company will need to reinvigorate its fan base as well as the casual MMA fan with its promotion. The good news is Pettis, Rory MacDonald, Fabricio Werdum will add to the product.
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