Urijah Faber was expected to face Renan Barāo (not pictured) in a trilogy match for the GFL’s launch weekend, which is now off. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
(Chris Unger via Getty Images)
Global Fight League founder Darren Owen vowed to “keep pushing forward” on Wednesday following the cancellation of the debut events for the fledgling, team-based MMA organization.
In comments provided to Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani, Owen stated that GFL’s “main investor didn’t fulfill his April obligation,” which caused an issue that ultimately led to the cancellation of the promotion’s two scheduled launch events on May 24-25. Owen stated his belief that the dates can still be postponed to June 15-16 and added that “it’s been a frustrating week but I think there’s a solution in place.”
Advertisement
Owens’ full remarks can be read below.
“Working on a solution. My main investor didn’t fulfill his April obligation which has caused a problem. I’ll keep you posted but I believe we will be able work through it. I think we can make it happen for June.
“Additionally I don’t foresee the event taking place in California but we absolutely will keep pushing forward.
“I think we’re going to have to push the dates to June 15/16. I’ll confirm asap. It’s been a frustrating week but I think there’s a solution in place.”
GFL’s planned launch to its first season was initially expected to take place with a two-day, 31-fight lineup 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).
While the immediate future of the GFL remains uncertain, Wednesday’s cancellations sparked a flood of commentary from fighters, coaches and managers within the MMA community, some of which can be read below.
