
Mon Sep 16 14:20:00 UTC 2024: ## PFL’s “Battle of the Giants” Aims to Shake Up the MMA World
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – On October 19th, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) will host a historic event dubbed “Battle of the Giants” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This card features a superfight between former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou and 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan Ferreira, as well as a showdown between two female champions, Cris Cyborg and Larissa Pacheco.
PFL executives see this event as a chance to attract new fans to the sport. “This is a card you’ve never seen,” says PFL founder and co-owner Donn Davis. “We think this is something that’s going to definitely get the die-hard MMA fans, but if you’re just a sports fan, this is something you’ll want to see.”
In a competitive landscape where sports are increasingly sought after by viewers, PFL is eager to showcase its unique model. While UFC, the league’s main rival, relies on a traditional “Don King boxing model” where promoters dictate fights, PFL emphasizes a more athlete-centric approach. The league operates with a regular season, playoffs, and championship, providing a structured calendar that appeals to sponsors and fans alike.
“We put the fighters in control instead of putting the promoter in control,” explains Davis. He believes this system allows PFL to differentiate itself from UFC, which currently holds a larger market share.
PFL’s event typically draws 2 million viewers globally and 500,000 in the US, but Davis sees room for growth. He believes that viewers will come to appreciate both PFL’s innovative approach and UFC’s established dominance, ultimately contributing to the overall growth of the sport.
This “Battle of the Giants” is expected to be a major milestone for PFL as they continue to make their mark in the world of MMA. Davis, who has a history of disrupting industries, is confident that PFL is poised to make a significant impact on the sport.