Skepticism surrounded the Global Fight League (GFL) from its initial announcement in 2024. Concerns arose due to the large number of well-known fighters reportedly signed and the striking similarity to a failed team-based MMA concept from three years prior.
In 2021, Darren Owen, a former World Series of Fighting executive, announced the creation of the WFL, a team-format league. Despite the initial announcement, the WFL never hosted any events. Owen resurfaced in 2024 with the GFL, presenting a very similar concept. This time, however, numerous fighters, including ex-UFC champions like Tyron Woodley, Luke Rockhold, and Chris Weidman, were reportedly contracted.
Shortly after announcing a two-night launch event in Los Angeles, the GFL cancelled both shows. This raised significant doubts about the new promotion`s ability to even begin.
“It’s disappointing,” commented retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast. “It feels like a repeat story. We`ve seen this play out before.”
Unfortunately, many MMA promotions have emerged and disappeared over the years. GFL didn`t even make it to its first event, with its initial shows already scrapped.
While Darren Owen stated he is still seeking funding to launch GFL in 2025, many fighters associated with the promotion seem to have already moved on.
Paige VanZant announced her “free agent” status on Instagram. Alan Belcher, a former UFC fighter and BKFC champion, disclosed that GFL offered him a fight deal based on “revenue share” instead of a guaranteed purse.
“What a mess,” Brown described the GFL situation. “It’s a shame because the sport needs more promotions and competition. Someone needs to step up, but it’s a very difficult business model. I’m not sure if it’s even possible. There are things that would need to change for it to work, and currently, things don’t look promising.”
“I question how investors are convinced to invest in this. When starting a business and seeking investment, you typically present a proof of concept and market research. Are these investors even considering past failures? This is a recurring pattern.”
GFL`s promised fighter payouts were never officially released, but several fighters mentioned very high potential earnings, which may explain why so many prominent names signed with the promotion before any events took place.
Brown understands why fighters might take a chance on GFL given limited options outside the UFC. However, he admits he always had serious reservations and questions why managers didn`t perform more thorough due diligence for their athletes.
“I’m surprised anyone believed it,” Brown stated. “Hopefully, they can figure something out, but there isn’t much to say. This is a familiar scenario. I hope fighters realize what it was.”
“If they didn’t, it’s likely due to poor management. The managers in this sport are often the biggest issue in situations like this.”
Brown acknowledges that there are “good people” in fighter management, but he has witnessed the negative side of the business during his 15-year UFC career.
Brown recognizes his fortunate position of spending most of his career in the UFC. He understands this isn`t the reality for many fighters. He hopes promotions like PFL succeed, but acknowledges the UFC might ultimately become the dominant and only major promotion.
“I wish someone could make it work,” Brown concluded. “It’s a tough business. But someone needs to do it.”
“You have to give credit to Dana White and the UFC. They essentially built the sport into a powerhouse from the ground up. There isn`t much space for other promotions. The UFC is a dominant force.”
