As the number of UFC fans worldwide crosses 300 million, it’s quite apparent UFC is the ‘GOAT League’ in combat sports. But, that is not to demean any other MMA leagues – let’s say Bellator and or the upcoming ‘exploding’ PFL. Yes, PFL is exploding! Why? Well, Randy Couture, the top analyst aiding the Professional Fighters League’s ‘expansion’, just said so himself.

A couple of days back, he starred in an interview speaking to MMANews’ Curtis Calhoun to preview the second half of the PFL regular season and discuss a variety of MMA topics, including the recent position of PFL in the MMA scheme of things. He was also recently in the headlines for his ‘solid’ opponent suggestion to Francis Ngannou.

The reality of PFL ‘Explosion’: in the words of Randy Couture

Couture shared some exciting insights about the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and its rapid growth. Couture, who is involved in closing a deal for PFL Middle East, is heading to Saudi Arabia.

“Yeah, this organization is exploding it is growing very very fast.”

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As the veteran shifts focus to Saudi Arabia, there are already some things that are in his favor. Inspired by the recent hosting of the huge World Cup soccer event in Qatar, the Saudis are trying hard to attain a say in the spectator sports world. Talking about his trip, he said he wasn’t exactly certain of which MMA ‘bosses’ were going, yet he was sure of Peter Murray going with them ‘as one of the bosses to close the deal.’

“I’m not sure exactly who all’s going on this trip. I think certainly Peter Murray is going to be with us and as one of the bosses to close the deal. Saudi Arabia in that area of the world is trying to bring more culture to that region and that’s why the World Cup soccer was just there in Qatar.”

He also assured Curtis that hopefully, they’re going to ‘close a deal to look at opening a PFL Middle East.‘ Being a UFC veteran himself, Couture knows how hard it is to create talented, money-making fighters. So naturally, the only reason that he’d have behind this endeavor was something inherently good. Well, all in order to develop some talent and some opportunities for folks in that region in the sport of
mixed martial arts.

“Starting to develop some talent and some opportunities for folks in that region in the sport of mixed martial arts which is pretty cool…”

Couture’s take on Francis Ngannou and the Professional Fighters League

Francis Ngannou aka ‘The Predator’ has recently taken the role of Chairman for PFL. His recent appointment as chairman led to a significant boost in the MMA ecosystem in Africa. Couture covered this, as he talked about Ngannou’s influence on his people. He also said that this news holds special meaning for Ngannou, who himself hails from Sierra Leone. The analyst said,

“And PFL and Africa and developing some talented some opportunities for folks in that region obviously which is something that means a lot to him. That’s where he’s from – Sierra Leone. So, it’s going to be interesting.”

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The UFC veteran added that the remarkable growth of PFL has propelled it ahead of Bellator – snatching the number two position among top promotions. While UFC continues to reign as the biggest promotion in the sport, PFL’s explosive progress is undeniably impressive.

“It sounds like by all estimates we’ve surpassed Bellator and support you know, in the rankings of which promotions are up there, and sounds like we’ve slid into the number two spot obviously the UFC is still the biggest promotion in the sport at this point…”

PFL’s dedication to MMA is evident in its expansion into new regions and focus on nurturing talent. Led by Couture, the PFL Middle East venture and growth in Africa are set to create a significant impact. As MMA enthusiasts, we can only anticipate the rise of new stars and the demise of the no-longer-good ones.

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