Stan Sport has announced that they will be entering an exclusive multi-year partnership with the Professional Fighters League.
PFL is a fast growing and innovative MMA organisation, featuring household names such as former UFC champions Anthony Pettis and Fabricio Werdrum. This partnership is the first time PFL will be present in Australia after it was founded in 2018.
“In 2021 PFL concluded a successful third season as six fighters earned world championships and $1 million USD each in prize money at the PFL world championships. The league saw 100 percent audience growth in 2021, with more world-class talent and events coming to MMA fans across the globe this year” PFL CEO Peter Murray said.
The agreement was fronted by Athletic Sports Group, and Stan sport will be carrying multiple events as the exclusive PFL partner in Australia, including the inaugural PFL Challenger Series, the 2022 PFL Regular Season and Playoffs, including the world championship. Stan Sport will also bring MMA fans original content from PFL studios and archival season footage from 2019-2021.
“MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia. The pedigree of PFL’s roster combined with the League’s extraordinary production quality, will make it a key pillar in our combat sports offering” Stan acting chief Executive Officer, Martin Kugeler said.
“PFL is accelerating its global expansion to deliver a unique and innovative product to more than 600 million MMA fans globally”
A unique feature of the PFL is the lucrative prize money and seasonal structure, with those who win the PFL playoff final each being awarded $1 million USD. Additionally, fans are given a deeper understanding of the action as it unfolds, with SmartCage analytics provided during their broadcasts, a first for MMA.
Australian featherweight Aaron Blackie will be making his PFL debut this year at the inaugural PFL challenger series, who is vying for major prize money as he looks to earn a 2022 PFL regular season contract.
Also making his PFL debut this year is Australian light heavyweight Rob Wilkinson, who will be competing in the 2022 PFL regular season. Wilkinson is known for his finishing abilities, most of his wins coming by way of stoppage. He is looking to continue this pattern in pursuit of the $1 million USD purse.
All fights will stream ad-free, live and on demand only on Stan Sport from February 19.