PFL will be coming to the UK this year with shows in London and Cardiff scheduled for August.
The promotion announced on Tuesday that they will host playoff events in Cardiff in August 13 and in London a week later. Several of their fighters were in attendance for the announcement, including two-time Olympic gold medalists Kayla Harrison and Claressa Shields.
It marks the first time the promotion has visited the UK since it was formed in 2018. PFL has several talented British fighters on their roster, such as veteran Brendan Loughnane and undefeated youngster Simeon Powell.
CEO Peter Murray told Mirror Fighting : "I'm really proud of the brand, the team and what we've accomplished to date. This is part of our evolution and gameplan, continuing to grow the league around the world. It’s critically important to pay attention to the number one priority in Europe for us which is the UK.
"There’s no better way to acknowledge that and take advantage of it by bring our pinnacle play off events to the UK. We expect to blow people away. People have the opportunity to support their local fighters who are representing their nation."
Light-heavyweight standout Powell only turned professional last August and has since won five professional fights. The 23-year-old is relishing the chance of fighting in his hometown, stating: "Fighting in local shows at your sports centres to the big leagues of the PFL. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and it's been life-changing for me."
PFL are confident its UK debut is another step towards the promotion’s goal of becoming a “co-leader” in MMA. PFL also recently announced a new pay-per-view series that will see 50 per cent of the event revenue shared with fighters. The super-fights, which begin next year, will take place outside of the promotion's league format.
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One fighter looking to return to action in the PFL is three-weight boxing champion Shields, who hasn't fought for the promotion since last October. Shields was targeting an undisputed middleweight title clash against Savannah Marshall in July, but the fight has been delayed as Marshall needs surgery for an arm injury.
There are high expectations for Shields to go far in MMA because of her boxing success and she of her world titles in the sport. "I know I can be PFL champion one day," she told Mirror Fighting . "Will it be in 2023 or 2025? Who knows, but I know if I have the time to train and get the experience I will do very well."
