PFL’s Massive Growth in 2021 Just the Start for MMA Sports League

Published 01/22/2022, 2:56 AM EST

While many fell by the wayside or remained stagnant through 2021, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) saw massive growth from all areas as one of the top mixed martial arts promotions in the world.

From the beginning of the regular season to the crowning of six $1 million world champions, the PFL and a roster filled with elite talent from around the world delighted fans on the ESPN family of networks and major distributors in over 160 countries.

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It all started back in April with Clay Collard shocking the world by upsetting former UFC world champion Anthony Pettis. That same night saw the beginning of a new featherweight champion crowned as Lance Palmer fell to Bubba Jenkins.

Rory MacDonald, who has held the world title in Bellator and competed for UFC gold, made his PFL debut with a submission victory at the following event. Pettis, MacDonald, and former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum were part of a strong influx of talent. They helped strengthen an already deep and talented roster of fighters.

Female fighters at PFL

Combat sports fans were granted a special treat when boxing world champion Claressa Shields made her MMA debut inside the PFL cage. Shields, a former Olympic gold medalist, would compete twice as she began her new career. At the same time, she maintained her hold atop the boxing world.

Another female remained atop the lightweight division as Kayla Harrison ran through the field to keep her perfect record intact. Harrison finished things off at the biggest night in MMA, PFL Championships, as one of six to win a world title and $1 million.

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The PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip sponsors on board. This includes Anheuser-Busch, IBM, Geico, DraftKings, and Bose. The MMA promotion thus continues to lead by example. In the coming months, the PFL Challenger Series, a proofing ground for rising prospects to earn their shot in the promotion, will debut live on Fubo Sports Network.

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PFL Pulls Into Front Row of MMA Alongside UFC

The coming year looks to be another opportunity for PFL to showcase why they are at the top of the MMA world.

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Written by:

Rohini Kottu is a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. She is also a Psychologist and has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology. Rohini, in her role as a UFC writer, combines her admiration for the mental resilience that MMA fighters have and her love for analysis.

PFL’s Massive Growth in 2021 Just the Start for MMA Sports League

Female fighters at PFL

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