A brand new participant has entered the MMA panorama, and it has arrived with some massive names.
Wednesday, International Battle League (GFL) introduced its official launch will come within the opening weeks of 2025. The GFL idea differs from that of UFC and PFL.
Whereas it has a league format and playoffs, it is usually team-based and has a draft. There can be six franchises (names and cities to comply with). The draft is scheduled for Jan. 24, with an inaugural occasion to comply with in April.
Who’s combating?
Co-founder Darren Owen revealed on “The Ariel Helwani Present” on Wednesday that the promotion has over 300 fighters beneath contract. Not all fighters can be drafted.
Of the 92 fighters posted to the promotion’s official web site, 45 of them are former UFC fighters. Names embrace Tyron Woodley, Anthony Pettis, Benson Henderson, Gegard Mousasi, Wanderlei Silva, Frank Mir, Andrei Arlovski, Kevin Lee, Fabricio Werdum, and Junior Dos Santos amongst others.
Scroll beneath to see the launched names:
What does GFL present athletes that different promotions don’t?
In keeping with Owen, GFL presents fighters a 50-50 break up in income sharing. Moreover, the promotion supplies complete help for coaching and medical payments, retirement advantages, insurance coverage protection, and extra.
Who’s behind GFL and the place is the cash coming from?
Owen is listed because the co-founder and commissioner for GFL and serves basically as the general public face for the promotion. He served as COO of PFL vs. October 2015 to Might 2020 and was the founder and CEO of World Collection of Preventing Canada, in accordance with his LinkedIn web page.
Additionally listed on the promotion’s web site are Arun Parimi (co-founder and COO), Scott Parker (CMO), and Jeffrey Pollack (senior advisor).
Owen declined to establish the supply of the funds behind the operation, however did say it’s a silicon valley investor.
How does the common season work?
Equally to PFL, GFL has some extent system for normal season fights.
A end victory notches a fighter’s workforce 4 factors. A choice win earns three factors. A draw earns two factors. A choice loss earns one level. If a fighter loses by end, she or he walks away with zero factors.
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