The Professional Fighters League held its first PPV on ESPN+ the day after Thanksgiving this year. The success of the event may determine the future direction of the promotion as it relates to pay-per-view events in 2023.
The event featured Kayla Harrison attempting to threepeat her women’s lightweight reign against Larissa Pacheco. The confident Brazilian defeated Harrison via decision to win the $1M prize and hand Harrison her first loss of her pro career.
At the beginning of the year, the PFL renewed its media deal with ESPN+. While its 2023 went off without an issue. Notably, former UFC fighters did not do well this season. Anthony Pettis failed to make the lightweight final as he lost twice to eventual finalist Stevie Ray. Also, Rory MacDonald retired after his loss to welterweight finalist Dilano Taylor.
In another shocker, last year’s PFL star Ray Cooper III failed to make the playoffs and defend his welterweight title. Also, Chris Wade, another finalist from 2021, did not make the finals.
The PPV card produced some action-packed fights as well as new stars for the organization. A breakdown of the fights are here and here.
While the PPV may not have been on the UFC level, it likely gave the PFL a glimpse into its business and how and where to expand in coming years. Is it really the number 2 promotion in the US? It will depend on who you speak with but the PFL is establishing itself as a viable US promotion with a distinct strategy.
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