PFL 2025 World Tournament: 64 Fighters, $20M Prize Pool, and Global Action

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has unveiled its groundbreaking 2025 World Tournament, a five-month, action-packed MMA event that promises to redefine the sport. Featuring eight weight classes and 64 world-class fighters, the single-elimination format will crown champions who endure MMA’s toughest test: three victories in just five months.

This highly anticipated tournament kicks off in April 2025, with semi-finals in June and championships in August. Fans worldwide can catch all the action live on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S., as well as through 20 premium media partners across 190 countries.

The Tournament Format

The 2025 PFL World Tournament brings an electrifying single-elimination bracket to MMA fans. Fighters in eight divisions—Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Women’s Flyweight—will battle for the coveted title of PFL Tournament Champion.

Here’s how it works:

  • First Round and Semi-Finals: Fighters will compete in three, five-minute rounds.
  • Championship Finals: A five-round, five-minute format to determine the ultimate champions.
  • Elbows Allowed: For the first time, all fights will now permit the use of elbows.

With over $20 million in total prize money on the line, including a $500,000 bonus for each champion, the stakes are higher than ever.

PFL World Tournament Schedule

Mark your calendars! Here’s the full five-month schedule for the 2025 PFL World Tournament:

First Round

  • April 3, 2025
  • April 11, 2025
  • April 18, 2025
  • TBD

Semi-Finals

  • June 12, 2025
  • June 20, 2025
  • June 27, 2025

Championships

  • August 1, 2025
  • August 15, 2025
  • August 21, 2025

The brackets and matchups for the tournament will be revealed in February, along with a full roster of the 64 competitors.

PFL CEO Peter Murray: “One Shot, Nothing More Exciting in Sports”

“The PFL World Tournament is continued innovation by PFL, and we are thrilled to present to global MMA fans an even more exciting product,” said Peter Murray, CEO of PFL. “One shot, single elimination—nothing more exciting in all of sports.”

The PFL is set to captivate global audiences with its combination of intense competition, high stakes, and a streamlined tournament structure designed to showcase the best fighters in the world.

Why the PFL World Tournament Stands Out

The PFL 2025 World Tournament isn’t just another MMA event—it’s a true test of endurance, skill, and resilience. Fighters will face the unique challenge of battling through three high-stakes fights in five months to achieve glory. With the addition of elbows in every fight and an enormous prize pool, the tournament delivers the ultimate MMA spectacle.

As excitement builds, fans worldwide eagerly await February for the full roster announcement. The countdown to the most thrilling MMA tournament of 2025 has begun!

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