PFL Unveils Exciting 2025 Tournaments Across Eight Weight Classes

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is gearing up for a groundbreaking 2025 with its announcement of single-elimination tournaments in eight weight classes. This move reflects the league’s commitment to innovation and excitement in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Starting in April, PFL will host tournaments featuring eight fighters in each division, competing for a staggering $20 million prize pool. While the fighters remain unannounced, the roster reveal is scheduled for next month, adding anticipation among fans and competitors alike.

The tournament will include one women’s division—flyweight—and seven men’s divisions ranging from bantamweight to heavyweight, notably excluding a men’s flyweight bracket. Matches will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, with the opening rounds set for April 3, 11, and 18. Semifinals are slated for June 12, 20, and 27, culminating in thrilling finals on August 1, 15, and 21. The finals will feature five-round title fights, while earlier rounds will be three rounds each.

PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed his excitement, stating:

“The PFL world tournament is continued innovation by PFL, and we are thrilled to present to global MMA fans an even more exciting product: one shot, single elimination, nothing more exciting in all of sports.”

In a shift from previous seasons, the PFL has done away with its traditional regular season and points-based qualification system. This change, along with the league’s recent acquisition of Bellator, positions PFL as a dominant force in the MMA world.

The acquisition, finalized in November 2023, brought Bellator’s roster under the PFL umbrella. PFL Chairman Donn Davis confirmed that the Bellator brand, founded in 2008, will no longer be used, officially ending an era. However, controversies surrounding fighter treatment post-acquisition have kept the organization in the headlines, adding a layer of complexity to the 2025 season’s rollout.

With innovation at its core, PFL is set to captivate global MMA fans, delivering a thrilling mix of high stakes and top-tier talent.