UFC rival GFL has warranted a collective gasp from MMA fans by announcing a pair of veteran matchups.
GFL promises to revolutionize combat sports by guaranteeing their athletes 50 percent of the revenue, prioritizing health, and innovating with a team-based matchmaking experience. Despite this, fans have been less than pleased with their decision to sign veteran athletes, some approaching 50 years old.
In recent signings, the GFL has announced the introduction of former middleweight champions Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold to its roster. They will fight each other at an undisclosed event on an undisclosed date.
In addition, the GFL announced 47-year-old Yoel Romero vs. 43-year-old Mauricio Rua. The latter has shown some of the worst wear-and-tear in the sport, retiring in 2023 a shade of his former self.
MMA fans react to Shogun Rua vs. Yoel Romero in the GFL
After the announcement, fight fans criticized the matchmaking, particularly in the Romero vs. Shogun fight.
“Seeing this actually made me physically ill,” Wrote hardcore MMA pundit Caposa on X.
“This should be illegal,” Another wrote.
“Have some shame,” One user commented.
“You guys should be put in jail for this lol… And who’s the matchmaker FFS,” Another wrote.
“Why?” Another asked. “Shogun’s sole means of defense on the feet these days is getting hit in the face. Makes me sad when I remember what a monster he was back in the day.”
GFL announces more fights, with some concern
As well as Romero-Rua and the Rockhold-Weidman rematch, the GFL also announced Uriah Hall vs. Douglas Lima for a middleweight matchup.
The only caveat to all the announced matchups is the lack of dates and venues. Following GFL’s rocky history with false signings, there is little faith that these announcements are authentic and will take place.