LAS VEGAS – The third PFL event for 2023 is in the books, and the promotion’s CEO Peter Murray spoke to the media to give updates on the biggest things going on with the company.
2023 PFL 3 went down on Friday night at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+.
Below you can check out Murray’s comments on Shane Burgos’ debut loss, what’s going on with Jake Paul, potential signing of Francis Ngannou, Kayla Harrison’s future, and more.
Shane Burgos loses to Olivier Aubin-Mercier in PFL debut
“The OAM fight was an incredible fight with Shane. There was a lot of talk about that fight, and it just shows we have incredible fighters within the PFL. Shane came over as a major top prospect. That one fight, you know, doesn’t define Shane. He’s now taking on the season, taking on the format. I think now you’re going to see a different Shane in the second fight. OAM certainly solidifying his position as a champion, so I think that fight for me was one of the best of the night.”
Jake Paul's MMA debut
What’s going on with Jake Paul?
“Jake Paul will make his debut in MMA. Just this week he announced his event or fight in boxing against Nate (Diaz), and what’s to come is his debut in MMA. Those plans are being put in place to properly launch the PFL super fight division in pay-per-view, but there will be a pay-per-view before Jake gets into the cage.”
Could Jake Paul fight Nate Diaz in MMA?
“You heard directly from Jake. Absolutely. We had that conversation as a potential two-fight deal and the focus on what made sense. Focus on boxing first, and we’ll see what happens after the fight. We’ll see if Nate gets in the cage to potentially finish that score. But what I can tell you is that when Jake makes his debut next year, it will be against a major, major talent. A major opponent.”
When will Jake Paul debut?
“He’s committed. Not only is he an exceptionally committed athlete as it relates to boxing, but he’s preparing, and he’s doing the work to further develop his game in MMA, and he will make his debut next year. So those plans are in the works and there’s on joint conversations as to who will be the opponent, what’s the right timing and I can tell you he’s excited about it and that will happen next year.”
Kayla Harrison's return
“We’ll be making an announcement on Kayla. This was the first season that Kayla wasn’t in the season format division. She will be on pay-per-view. We will be making an announcement real soon as to who her opponent will is and when that fight is, but that will happen this year.”
Potential Francis Ngannou signing
“Hey, listen. Francis made it very clear that he’s going to box. We’re excited to see how those plans materialize. We have a very close relationship and more to come on next steps on Francis related to MMA.”
