Revamped PFL Format Set to Launch in April 2025

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is gearing up for a significant transformation with its upcoming season debuting on April 3, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. This new season promises to bring fresh competition dynamics, featuring a modernized format along with an increase in weight classes and an exciting lineup of fighters.

Key Changes in the PFL Format

Historically, the PFL has functioned similarly to traditional sports seasons. Over the past six seasons, ten fighters would compete in two regular season bouts, with the top four based on points advancing to the playoffs for a chance to vie for a $1 million prize in their weight class. The new format, however, shifts to a tournament-style format.

In this innovative approach, eight fighters from each weight division will enter a quarterfinal bracket. The April and early May rounds will determine which four fighters move on to the semi-finals in June. The two winners from those matchups will compete for a $500,000 reward during the finals in August.

Expanded Weight Classes

The number of weight classes has increased from six to eight, adding middleweight and male bantamweight divisions to the existing heavyweight, light heavyweight, welterweight, lightweight, featherweight, and women’s flyweight categories.

Previously, the PFL featured a middleweight division in its inaugural season in 2018 but later replaced it to introduce a women’s lightweight category. The addition of the bantamweight class corresponds with the PFL’s recent acquisition of Bellator MMA, bringing in notable fighters like Patchy Mix, although he will not be participating in the tournament bracket.

Notable Absentees from the Tournament

This season will see some prominent fighters missing from the tournament lineup, including Dakota Diccheva, the undefeated 2024 women’s flyweight champion, and several previous PFL champions in other weight classes, with the exception of lightweight champion Kazillabadanov, who will defend his title.

The PFL has not yet confirmed the competition status of Diccheva and other notable fighters, including Johnny Eblen from Bellator and Corey Anderson, raising questions about their future engagements with the organization.

Fighter Lineup and Key Matches

Several former champions and contenders are set to compete in the upcoming season. Notably, Impaka Sanganai, the 2023 light heavyweight champion, will move down to the middleweight division. Furthermore, the season will feature a matchup between welterweights Jason Jackson and Andry Koleschkov in the main event of the inaugural card.

Further details on the fight lineup for the opening round can be accessed on the PFL’s official FightCenter.

Rule Modifications for the 2025 Season

One of the most significant changes includes the allowance of elbows, a move away from previous restrictions. This adaptation acknowledges that fighters may compete three times within a five-month span, opening up new strategies and fighting styles.

Event Locations and Scheduling

Unlike previous seasons where fights were hosted at various venues weekly, all four opening round events will be held at Universal Studios in Orlando. However, later phases like the semi-finals will occur across different locations, including Nashville, Wichita, and Chicago, before concluding with finals in August at yet-to-be-announced venues.