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PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH ESPN IN BRAZIL

July 13, 2026 | PFL Press

ESPN and Disney+ to Serve as Exclusive Home of All PFL Live Events in Brazil, Beginning with PFL Austin on July 18 

NEW YORK — [July 13, 2026] — Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a multi-year partnership with ESPN, expanding the league’s presence in one of the world’s most important and passionate MMA markets. 

Under the partnership, ESPN will serve as the exclusive home of PFL live events in Brazil, with coverage airing across the linear channels and streaming on Disney+ Premium. The agreement includes every PFL event, including PFL Global, PFL MENA and PFL Africa, giving Brazilian fans year-round access to the organization's global MMA calendar. 

The agreement also includes ancillary and archive programming, including pre- and post-fight shows, press conferences, official weigh-ins, feature programming, highlights, and library content. 

“Brazil is and has always been one of the most influential and passionate MMA markets in the world, and ESPN is the ideal partner to help PFL deepen its connection with fans across the country,” said John Martin, CEO of Professional Fighters League. “This multi-year partnership delivers all of PFL’s action to Brazilian fans across ESPN and Disney+, beginning with PFL Austin, a fight card that showcases world-class Brazilian talent competing across the PFL roster.” 

"The addition of PFL further strengthens our premium live sports portfolio and expands the world-class content available to fans across ESPN and Disney+. As one of the fastest-growing MMA organizations in the world, PFL brings elite athletes, compelling storylines, and a strong roster of Brazilian talent. We are excited to offer our audience year-round access to every PFL event, reinforcing our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive and compelling sports experience in the market," says Carlus Maluf, Head of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Brazil.

The partnership will launch at PFL Austin on Saturday, July 18, featuring Brazilian standout Rafael do Nascimento (12-3) in the co-main event. PFL's roster also includes one of the greatest Brazilian fighters of all time, Cris Cyborg, who will make her final MMA appearance on August 22 at PFL Tampa against fellow Brazilian stand out, Ketlen Vieira. The league's deep Brazilian talent roster also features 2025 PFL Bantamweight World Champion  Marcirley Alves and 2021 and 2025 PFL Light Heavyweight World Tournament Champion Antonio Carlos Jr., along with high-profile additions Viviane Araujo and Taila Santos. 

UPCOMING PFL SCHEDULE: