The PFL Challenger Series gives fighters the opportunity to join the PFL’s global roster
The PFL Challenger Series continues live Friday, February 25 at 9:00 p.m. ET exclusively for
fuboTV subscribers on the platform’s linear network, Fubo Sports Network
NEW YORK (January 21, 2022) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced that the PFL Challenger Series will continue from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL on Friday, February 25 at 9 p.m. ET with welterweight action. The PFL Challenger Series airs live exclusively for fuboTV subscribers on Fubo Sports Network the live TV network from sports-first live TV streaming platform fuboTV Inc. (NYSE: FUBO).
The PFL Challenger Series is a platform in which MMA fighters with elite fighting pedigree square off in a series of high performance events with the ultimate quest being the PFL podium for a million dollar prize as a PFL rostered fighter. The PFL continues to innovate the sport of MMA by expanding opportunities for exceptional fighters from around the globe. More than 500 MMA managers and trainers submitted applications on behalf of fighters with the most significant accolades in a mixed martial art discipline to compete in the PFL Challenger Series. Only 56 fighters were selected by PFL for this unique series.
“Welterweight is always one of the most exciting divisions in the league,” said Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations of PFL. “I cannot wait to see what these unbelievably talented and hungry fighters bring to the SmartCage.
The second installment of the Challenger Series will feature welterweight fighters angling for a spot in the PFL’s talent-rich 170-pound division, which includes two-time World Champion Ray Cooper III and MMA icon Rory MacDonald.
Top Jordanian fighter, Jarrah Al Silawi headlines the talented crop of welterweights poised to square off with a career altering opportunity on the line. Al Silawi (16-3) is the BRAVE CF super welterweight champion. He comes into the league having won 11 out of 12 fights.
Mark Martin, a highly decorated collegiate wrestler from Ohio State University, another highly regarded fighter and three time NCAA qualifier, is riding a six fight winning streak heading into the PFL Challenger Series.
Grappling fans will know Lucas Barbosa, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace will begin his transition to MMA when he steps back into the cage after almost 10 years. At just 29 years of age, “Hulk” is an intriguing crossover star who is looking to establish himself as a top MMA fighter. Barbosa is 2-1 in his three fights.
Another Brazilian, Carlos Leal (14-3), a 17-fight veteran, is the LFA welterweight champion and a legitimate threat to anyone when he steps inside the cage. Americans Dilano Taylor (7-1), Michael Lilly (7-6) and Troy Green (4-1) will be joined by Haiti’s Socrates Pierre (12-6) to round out the welterweight slate.
Viewers watching the PFL Challenger Series can also interact with the live competition through fuboTV’s popular predictive, free-to-play games. During the bouts, fans can answer predictive questions about the action all on one screen using their remote control. Fubo Sportsbook, now live in Iowa and Arizona, is also the exclusive gambling sponsor of the PFL Challenger Series.
Fubo Sports Network is fuboTV’s linear TV network dedicated to featuring sports stories on and off the field. Fans can stream live sports, original programming and partner content on Fubo Sports Network as part of fuboTV’s subscription packages of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.
About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league. PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.
PFL is primetime in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and was broadcast and streamed live worldwide last year to 160 countries with partners including RMC Sport, FPT, Sky Sport, and more. The PFL roster is world-class, with 25% of PFL fighters independently ranked in the top 25 in the world. The PFL proprietary SmartCage data and analytics platform powers real-time betting and provides next-gen viewing experience.
PFL has over two-dozen blue-chip brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, IBM, GEICO, DraftKings, Bose, Socios.com, Air Force Reserve, US Marine Corps, and more. PFL is backed by major investors including Ares Capital, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Swan Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and several NBA, MLB, and NHL team owners.
MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)
About Fubo Sports Network
Available on 75 million devices, Fubo Sports Network is the live, free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field. Launched by live TV streaming platform fuboTV (NYSE: FUBO) in September 2019, Fubo Sports Network airs live sports, award-winning original programming such as No Chill with Gilbert Arenas and Getcha Popcorn Ready with T.O. and Hatch and partner content from Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, Stadium, USA TODAY, Flex Fight, World Poker Tour, and BeIN Sports Xtra, among others. Stream for free on LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels, Sports on Tubi, Plex, Hisense Smart TVs, and XUMO or as part of fuboTV’s subscription packages of 100+ sports, news and entertainment channels.
