The GFL’s launch is no longer happening. (Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
(Mike Roach via Getty Images)
The planned launch of the Global Fight League is all but dead.
The fledgling, team-based MMA promotion has formally canceled its debut slate of events, California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster confirmed to Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani on Wednesday. Multiple additional sources confirmed the news.
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GFL had planned an ambitious launch to its first season, aiming to stage a two-day, 31-fight lineup on May 24-25, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
The double-header events were scheduled to feature 42 UFC veterans and nine former UFC/Bellator champions (including interim champions), however those plans have now fallen apart.
GFL founder Darren Owen told Uncrowned on Wednesday that “my main investor didn’t fulfill his April obligation,” which ultimately led to the cancelations. Owen said he believes the promotion “will be able work through it,” and that he doesn’t foresee the events taking place in California “but we absolutely will keep pushing forward.” Owen said target dates of June 15-16 are now being discussed.
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Notable announced matchups on the two cards included a trilogy bout between former UFC champion Renan Barāo and UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, the revival of the rivalry between former WEC/UFC champs Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis, a meeting between former UFC champ Holly Holm and former Bellator champ Julia Budd, as well as Dillon Danis facing UFC legend Tony Ferguson.
GFL made a splash this past December with announcements of grand plans following three years of preparation and a name change from the World Fight League. Owen told Uncrowned at that time that GFL planned to implement a team-based format and seasonal setting, with a 15-event schedule until August 2025 followed by two playoff events in September and the season finals in November.
GFL fighter contracts were meant to feature a 50/50 revenue share as well as retirement incentives, among other perks. Many fighters also spoke publicly about the large purses GFL was offering.
The promotion held its inaugural draft in January, featuring six global GFL teams consisting of 120 total fighters. Owen told Uncrowned in January that he was confident the promotion would be able to pin down a broadcast deal before April and that GFL planned to “fill the NFL void,” with a combination of pay-per-view and free-to-watch events, potentially even holding multiple events on some weekends.
