by Dane McGuire
Prior to a successful night of main card action at last month’s PFL 9 in London, three people guaranteed themselves a spot as part of the developing PFL Europe expansion.
Abraham Bably defeated Louie Sutherland by unanimous decision,Magnus Iversen topped Tayo Odunjo by first round TKO (4:36), and Ali Taleb beat Darius Mafi by second round submission (guillotine choke – 1:58).
“The PFL Playoffs saw world class action from New York City to PFL debuts in Cardiff and London, as the stage is now set for the biggest night in MMA,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray in a press release.
“The PFL World Championship will see fighters across six weight classes compete for PFL championships and $6 million in prizes,” he continued.
“Tonight was a fitting finale to the 2022 PFL Playoffs, as our world class athletes consistently showed heart and determination,” PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo also said in the release.
“Congratulations to the fighters moving on to the 2022 PFL World Championship. I am looking forward to capping off the 2022 campaign watching the best of the best square off with titles and prizes on the line,” Sefo added.
According to the promotion’s July announcement, PFL Europe is the first of multiple international leagues which will be launched.
“I am pleased to announce the PFL will launch PFL Europe in 2023 to further advance the sport of MMA and fuel PFL’s next phase of global expansion starting in Europe, the number one international MMA growth region,“ said PFL CEO Peter Murray in July.
Europe is rich with top fighters who are ready to compete in the PFL’s season format on a major stage and passionate MMA fans throughout the region will now have access to premium events staged in Europe.”
“It has been an extremely rewarding experience putting together PFL Europe qualifier fights alongside our partners at Live Nation,” Sefo said at the time. “PFL is about opportunity, and we are proud of the opportunity we are providing fighters across Europe. I can’t wait to get to work on the first season of PFL Europe.”
Prior to the staging of 2022’s PFL 8 and 9 events in the UK, the PFL announced a sanctioning partnership with IMMAF member, the English Mixed Martial Arts Association (EMMAA) to shadow sanction the events. Learn more here.