The PFL just got a lot less confusing.
The self-proclaimed co-leader of MMA made headlines on Wednesday when they announced two world title fights between Vadim Nemkov and Renan Ferreira (heavyweight) and Cris Cyborg vs. Sara Collins (featherweight).
The title fights will headline a PFL event in Lyon, France, on Dec. 13.
That’s apparently not all the Professional Fighters League has for us as the promotion also revealed some massive changes to its much-criticized championship format.
Each PFL division will now have one undisputed champion
For years, the PFL has run things much differently from the UFC.
In the past, the PFL has crowned its champions in the finale of each season, near the end of the year. This year, the PFL implemented a single-elimination tournament format, with tournament champions running around at the same time as other PFL champions and titleholders.
On Wednesday, new PFL CEO John Martin revealed the PFL will now have one single champion per each division, just as the UFC does.
“Historically, the PFL crowned champions through its season or tournament format, where the winner held the title for that year,” Martin posted on X.
“I recognize this created some confusion about who truly sat atop each division.
“That confusion grew when the PFL and Bellator merged, bringing in not only tournament champions but also legacy Bellator champions who defended their belts, leaving fans unclear on who was the definitive champion in each weight class.
“We are now simplifying our championship system. Going forward, each division will have one PFL World Champion, the single, undisputed titleholder in that weight class.
“You saw this recently when Costello van Steenis scored a last-second win over Johnny Eblen to become the PFL Middleweight World Champion,” Martin continued.
“I also know there has been confusion around unique distinctions in the past, like the “Super Fight” title won by Francis Ngannou. That was a special, one-time designation. Going forward, those belts may be used only for occasional special events, and importantly, I will be engaging directly with Francis to determine what’s next for him in the PFL.
“My goal is clear: one champion, one division, one world title, a system that is simple for athletes to chase and for PFL fans to follow,” said the PFL CEO.
MMA world reacts to PFL changing their championship format
Fans have been asking the PFL to change their ways for years and the promotion finally listened.
“It appears as though common sense has finally arrived in the PFL,” prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani said of the change on Wednesday.
“This is good. Keep making things clear and simple,” one fan said of the news.
“Thank God for John Martin. We need this clarity to start the building steps for an actual competitive MMA promotional environment,” another fan said.
One thing that remains unclear at this time is if the PFL will throw out their tournament format for a rankings-based format instead.