THE Professional Fighters League want their $1million-winner-take-all season to become "the Champions League of MMA".
PFL's format is two regular season bouts. Points are awarded according to the method used to win, followed by the play-offs.
Kayla Harrison, champion boxer and Mike Tyson's CEO at PFL Peter Murray
The Champions League is played across Europe in the same way that it is played: in the group stage and in knockout rounds.
Instead of the famous trophy, PFL winners are presented with a $1m cheque to celebrate their achievements.
Pete Murray, CEO of PFL, believes that the MMA format is a new and exciting way to promote the sport. This puts the PFL second only to the UFC.
Murray stated to SunSport that his vision was to improve the sport and expand it globally as a league.
"We had a vision to create The Champions League of MMA. Now we have five years of experience as an organization and are No2 in the World."
Murray believes there's more than one sheriff because of the high demand for MMA all over the world.
He stated, "We're poised to be a leader in the sport.
"Our business thesis is very important. It states that there is enough room for more than one person to lead this sport.
"Unlike other sports, there's a hugely undeserved fanbase.
"Football is the No1 sport in the world. It has a huge fanbase. Every day, fans have access to matches.
"There are nine major leagues of football that have more than $1billion in annual revenue. Today, there is only one MMA league.
"We are growing at all levels - fanbase, audience growth, revenue, commercial business, and revenue.
"So MMA's infancy is still compared to other major sports like basketball, football and other.
Murray claims that the PFL's viewership has increased by 100 percent over last year. He warns that the league wants to be more dominant than MMA.
He said, "We are the fastest-growing league in all of sports, not just MMA. It is based on year-over year growth."
"We have seen a 100% increase in audience over the past year and it is continuing to grow."
"Based on our timing, business ethos, and vision, this is what propels the growth."
The UK debut of the PFL will be made by the PFL on August 13, in Cardiff. This is the second semi-final of this season.
The finalists for each division will be announced in London a week later at the Copper Box Arena on August 20.
- Tickets to the 2022 PFL Playoffs at Motorpoint Arena or Copperbox Arena are now available via Ticketmaster. Tickets are available in two price ranges: PS35-200 in Cardiff, and PS40-225 in London.
PFL winner wins $1m prize check
