PFL EUROPE may have homed to two of MMA’s next stars – but only the best will stay on the roster.
The Professional Fighters League, a seasonal MMA format consisting on qualifying and knockout stages, launched their European tournament this year.
PFLUnbeaten PFL light-heavyweight Simeon Powell[/caption]
PFL Unbeaten PFL flyweight Dakota Ditcheva[/caption]
Usually, points are earned per method of victory with the top four in each division qualifying into the playoffs.
From there it is win-or-go-home setting up a finale fight where a championship belt and $1million prize cheque is at stake.
PFL Europe follows a similar format, with one qualifying stage and then a semis and final format offering winners $100,000 and full contract.
Newcastle and Berlin hosted the first two legs and it continues in Paris on September 30 and then a Dublin final on December 3.
British MMA legend Dan Hardy is in charge of recruiting talent for PFL Europe alongside ex-kickboxing champion Ray Sefo.
And PFL CEO Peter Murray named London light-heavyweight Simeon Powell, 24, and Manchester flyweight Dakota Ditcheva, 24 as standouts.
Both have qualified into the semi-finals in France but Murray warned the competiton to remain on next year is fiere.
He told SunSport: “Two stars in the making that come to mind – and it’s still early days – are Dakota and Simeon.
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“I think they truly represent the spirit of the Professional Fighters League and PFL Europe.
“We’re at a midpoint where we’re at a decision on who is coming back and who will be there next season.
“Based on first performances, some fighters will not be coming back and we’re proud to have them in the inaugural season but the team under Dan and ultimately Ray Sefo are starting to put that scorecard together.
“Who’s not coming back and which fighters will be locked in for next year and after playoffs that gets real.
“There is a deep, deep pool of top talent who want in on PFL Europe so I think the team’s going to have to make some hard decisions.”
PFL have signed marquee names in YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul, 26, and ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, 36, both due to debut in 2024.
But French kickboxing icon Cedric Doumbe, 30, was another major coup.
And after pulling out of the global season injured, he will debut on PFL Europe in Paris live on DAZN.
Murray revealed: “Ten weeks out from Paris, our playoffs we have another sold out show and Cedric will be the top of the card as a marquee showcase fight.
“We’re excited and DAZN has been an incredible strategic partner as relates to promotion and leaning into production capabilities.
“It really is a joint venture between DAZN and PFL, which is unique.”
Cedric Doumbe will make his PFL debut in Paris Read More