Will Fluery recognises his chance to win PFL’s illustrious $1million prize is the last big opportunity of his fighting career.
Fluery, 34, fights UFC veteran Krzysztof Jotko on Saturday night in the opening round of the PFL 2023 regular season. The Irishman has competed for promotions such as Bellator, Brave CF and EFC since turning professional seven years ago, putting together a solid record of 11-3. Fluery earned himself a spot on the PFL light-heavyweight roster by winning a hard-fought decision agains Anthony Salamone in Cardiff last August.
Having already won a world title for UAE Warriors, a MMA promotion based in the Middle East, Fluery looks to become the first Irish fighter to wrap a PFL belt around his waist. Brendan Loughnane achieved the feat for the UK last year and the Mancunian’s success has inspired Fluery to be a flag bearer for the PFL in Ireland.
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“I was the first Irish guy to win a UAE Warriors title, that was incredible but obviously PFL is a bigger promotion,’ Fluery told Mirror Fighting. “It’s a bigger achievement, so it would mean a lot to be the first Irish fighter to win a PFL title. To be the first person to really bring the PFL to Ireland, I have the opportunity to be flag bearer for this promotion in Ireland. I kind of want to be the Irish version of what Brendan Loughnane has done.”
Those around Fluery’s age in his fighting circle have something to show for their careers in the cage, but the same can’t be said for Fluery. Although the 34-year-old is far from broke, he admitted the chance to win $1million will allow him to buy a house and settle down with a family. The magnitude of the opportunity has made the Irishman realise he is in a “s*** or die” moment and he plans to change his life for the better by winning the seven-figure sum.
“I have friends who are deep into their careers now, buying houses and having kids. I’m not in a financial position to be able to do that,” Fluery added. “This is that opportunity, it’s a ‘s*** or die’ time now. If you’re 34 and haven’t made happen yet, not many chances are coming your way. The UFC aren’t looking at you, so you’ve got to make this work.
“I don’t think the fight on Saturday is going to make everything happen, it’s winning the next few fights and getting the chance to win that $1million. I’ve set my soul out and that’s what the goal is. Not to show up and perform well, just getting that $1million, this is it. Go and f****ng do it Will, I don’t see any reason why I can’t.”
