PFL Challenger Series Under Review For Suspicious Betting Activity

A number of sports bettors are under review after placing bets on pre-taped fights of a recent Professional Fighters League event.

The PFL’s Challenger Series made its debut this year and recently hosted a broadcast on April 1 on FuboTV, but the league later confirmed that the fights actually took place on March 25.

The incident remains under review. FuboTV, who broadcast the event, apologized for labeling the April 1 broadcast a “live event.”

Hours before the broadcast, the odds of heavyweight Rakin Talley differed immensely, going from –290 to –2500 as bettors learned of the fight’s result. Talley won the fight via unanimous decision against Santino Zurita.

Winnings that were sent to some bettors’ bank accounts were later rescinded.

“Any sportsbooks that took bets on the prerecorded program did so without the consent or knowledge of the PFL,” PFL spokesman Loren Mack told ESPN.

It’s unclear why the PFL chose to pre-tape fights – a decision that has never been done in the league’s history.

The PFL Challenger Series began streaming this year on February 18 and has run through consecutive Friday nights for eight events. April 1 was reportedly the last event of the series.

The series is similar to The Ultimate Fighter and Dana White’s Contender Series where up-and-coming prospects compete for a PFL contract.

The 2022 PFL season will air on April 20, featuring defending lightweight champion Raush Manfio and Don Madge.