PFL Announces New International Recruitment Plan

Heading into its third season, the Professional Fighters league is looking to add a number of talented fighters. They just signed Rory MacDonald to a deal following a stint in Bellator. Now, they are looking to add a number of global stars.

It was announced that the PFL will have a number of one-night tournaments that will eventually lead to the signing of five international athletes. The league partnered up with organizations in the following areas: Russia, Germany, Brazil, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Each promotion will host a four-fighter tournament this year, with the winner earning a spot on the 2020 PFL roster.

The tournament will start on February 22. The only confirmed date is March 20 with UAE Warriors in Abu Dhabi, and it has been determined that tournament will feature the featherweight division.

“We’re excited to accelerate growth outside of the United States through the International Qualifier Series, a global fight twice in one-night tournament designed to identify and recruit the best MMA fighters from five priority markets around the world,” PFL CEO Peter Murray stated, via a press release. “We look forward to working with UAE Warriors in the Middle East, a region with an affinity for combat sports and an impressive crop of high-caliber fighters.

“This is a unique challenge, and we’ll see if these athletes have what it takes to fight for the PFL and compete for a title and million-dollar prize.”

Events outside of Abu Dhabi will feature fighters looking to get a contract within the following divisions: light heavyweight and women’s lightweight. Fights will be show via the PFL Live app and the league’s digital channels on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch.

It was previously reported that the PFL would gut 50% of its roster following season two’s tournament final. The launch of the International Qualifier Series is a way of involving a preseason to expand its influence.