Understand how the PFL tournament works, with the scoring system, rules and highlights of the categories

PFL Decagon ready for the 2021 season. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The PFL tournament, which awards US$1 million (around R$5,4 million) to each athlete who wins in the finals, has been gaining more and more space in the MMA community. If you are not yet familiar with the championship, the SUPER FIGHTS will help you understand how the competition works, with rules, scoring system and highlights of each category.

The PFL opened its season with a card held on April 23, in an event that featured the debut of former UFC icon, Anthony Pettis. Six days later, it was time for Rory McDonald, the organization's bet for 2021, to headline a show.

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The shows have been held in Atlantic City and feature the participation of old acquaintances of Brazilian MMA fans. Gleison Tibau, Antonio Shoe Guy, Cezar Mutant of course, Fabricio Werdum, are great attractions for Brazilian fans.

Tournament in general

In total, there are 60 athletes divided into six weight categories. The groups are: featherweight (up to 65,7kg.), light (one female and one male, up to 70,3kg.), welterweight (up to 77kg.), light heavyweight (up to 93kg.) and heavy (up to 120,2kg.).

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Each fighter will, by contract, have the obligation to fulfill two commitments within the regular season – if there are no unforeseen events during preparation. With each victory, points will be added and a leaderboard will be formed and updated, depending on each presentation.

How many fights per year?

The 60 athletes registered for the tournament will have the opportunity to perform at least twice a year. Those who are most successful in the first fights will then move on to the next phase and will be able to have two more commitments, the last one, in the grand final, if they make it past the knockout stage.

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Initially, fighters will undergo two commitments during the regular season. After the duels, assuming that everyone is cut due to injuries or failures in the weight cut, the scores are added up and the four best classified in each division move on to the knockout phase, which should begin in the second half of the year.

In 2021, the PFL regular season will feature six shows, which began in April and will end in June. You can see the complete agenda at the end of the article.

Possible injuries

Like any sport, an injury can prevent an athlete from performing on the scheduled date. As it is a direct contact modality, eventual absences are natural. So, how does the company act in the face of such unforeseen events?

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To avoid any fight cancellations, the PFL has immediate reserves to replace fighters who may be out of action. Even without being able to perform, the injured professional will be able to qualify for the next phase, depending on the score achieved in the first or second fight.

Important rule

For the fan who appreciates plastic and blunt blows, one rule may not please. The famous elbows, like those applied by the legendary Jon Jones, are strictly prohibited in the PFL.

The idea is to maintain the integrity of the combatants as much as possible, who need to act more often in a short period of time.

Failed weight cut

As in any MMA competition, failure to cut weight can influence the final result of a fight. For athletes who are unable to fulfill their commitment to the scale, the PFL has created a model that aims to reduce the chance of possible unforeseen events as much as possible.

If an athlete fails to comply with what is established in the contract, considering the official weigh-in, he automatically loses the chance to score points in the round. Your opponent, in addition to taking a percentage in the bag, wins three points and has an increased chance of advancing in the competition.

The fighter who failed the weight cut also has a point removed from the table created. Thus, in addition to the financial disadvantage, there will be punishment for the championship, which puts pressure on the combatant to achieve a knockout or submission in the next duel to offset the loss.

There is also the possibility that the athletic commission will prevent the athlete from continuing in the fight. The decision will depend on the limit exceeded by the individual at the official weigh-in.

Just like in the UFC, in fights not valid for the belt, combatants receive a pound (454g.) of tolerance over the weights of their respective categories.

scoring system

For those who understand well the scoring system that exists in football, what exists in the PFL is something similar. However, there are bonuses depending on how a match is won. Understand:

Victory: 3 points

Draw: 1 point

Defeat: 0 points

*'No Contest' or 'No Result Fight': 1 point

Athletes, however, have an extra motivation to give their all on the decagon. In the case of knockouts or submissions, which precede the judges' decision, points can be added and a fighter can leave the fighting arena with an advantage over other competitors who have also won their commitments.

Knockout or submission in the 1st round: + 3 points

Knockout or submission in the 2st round: + 2 points

Knockout or submission in the 3st round: + 1 point

Logistics of each card

To follow the logic of keeping the tournament fair, PFL cards are scheduled so that athletes from the same division perform in the same show. This way, everyone will have the same recovery time after each duel.

the fights

For clashes, the PFL adopts the rules already known to those who frequently follow the UFC and Bellator, for example. Non-title fights consist of three five-minute rounds, with one minute of rest between one round and the next.

Title dispute

The title fight also adopts the same criteria as those known in Ultimate. The most successful fighters during the season, who went through the previous stage and won in the knockout stage, will compete for the title in the last show of the year.

It is worth remembering that the current champions do not put the title on the line in each tournament appearance – unlike what happens in Bellator. Thus, the current title holders will only be able to lose them in the grand final or become two-time champions.

Unlike the commitments in the regular season and the knockout stages, the title fight will be held in five five-minute rounds, with a minute of rest between each round. The athlete who outperforms the opponent for 25 minutes or beats the rival on the fast track wins.

In addition to the title, the fighter will receive the dream prize of US$1 million.

Representatives and highlights from each division

As stated previously, each weight category will have 10 representatives. Find out who the athletes are and check out the highlights of each group.

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg.)

Former UFC champion, F. Werdum is one of the PFL's bets for the 2021 season. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc

Sales Representative: Fabricio Werdum, Ali Isaev (current champion), Bruno Cappelozza, Renan 'Problem', Before Delija, Denis Goltsov, Hatef Moeil, Brandon Sayles, Mohammed Usman, Justin Willis;

To keep an eye

One of the PFL's biggest acquisitions for the 2021 season was the signing of former UFC heavyweight champion, Fabricio Werdum. A Brazilian legend in the division, the gaucho arrives to prove that, at 43 years old, he still has what it takes to perform at a high level and add another belt to his successful career. The athlete arrives at the company with a record of 24 triumphs, nine setbacks and one draw.

Defending his position as current champion in the group, Ali Isaev comes with everything he needs to maintain his throne in the category. Representative of Russia, the athlete maintains an impeccable record in his career in MMA. Without ever being beaten, the fighter has nine positive results in a row. The fighter won the title in the 2019 season, winning five matches and beating Jared Rosholt in the grand final.

In addition to Werdum, Tupiniquim fans will be able to observe two more names. One of them is Renan 'Problema', 31 years old, who will face 'Vai Cavalo', in the clash that will mark the debut of both in the organization. A former representative of the LFA, the Goiano player is part of the tournament after a victory over Jared Vanderaa, in 2019. Without playing for over a year, the Brazilian is known for his remarkable size and knockout power, having won five of his six career triumphs on the fast track.

Former representative of Jungle Fight and RIZIN, Bruno Cappelozza will also make his PFL debut. Known for his brute strength, the athlete seeks to take his aggressive style to his 'new home'. With 15 fights in professional MMA, the São Paulo native, whether losing or winning, has never left a result in the hands of the judges. The athlete has knocked out in all of his 10 victories in the sport.

Light heavyweight (up to 93kg.)

E. Sordi is the current PFL light heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Sales Representative: Emiliano Sordi (current champion), Cezar Mutant, Antonio Shoe Guy, Vinny Magalhães, Chris Camozzi, Martin Hamlet, Jordan Johnson, Tom Lawlor, Smealinho Rama, Dan Spohn, Jordan Young, Nick Roehrick.

To keep an eye

Standing out in the division, Emiliano Sordi is the name to beat in the group. Current owner of the belt, the Argentine representative is going through a spectacular moment. In addition to holding the title, the 30-year-old athlete hasn't known what it's like to lose since 2018. The fighter won the 'Million Tournament' in 2019 and is looking for his second title in the 2021 season. In total, Sordi has 23 triumphs and eight setbacks as professional in MMA.

Former UFC promise, Cezar Mutant It is one of the organization's bets for the championship. Winner of TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) Brasil 1, in 2012, the athlete joins the company and tries to move away from the unstable moment he experienced before being released by Dana White's company. Pupil of Vitor belfort, Mutante has 14 wins and eight losses in mixed martial arts. The fighter is known for his versatility, combining striking and grappling qualities.

With a title from TUF Brasil 3, in 2013, on his resume, Antonio Shoe Guy He was also a big signing for the PFL this year. For years, the Brazilian was a standout among the middleweights (up to 83,9kg), but ended up being cut after a bad moment. Now, in light heavyweight and living a new reality, the fighter hopes to resume his good form and win the title, along with the millionaire jackpot. The 31-year-old from Paraíba has 11 triumphs, five setbacks and one 'no contest' in the sport.

Another Brazilian, another 'child' of TUF. Finalist in the North American version of the reality show in 2008, Vinny Magalhães tries, for the third time, to reach the highest point of the PFL championship. Company representative since 2018, the 26-year-old fighter is an expert in the 'gentle art'. In 19 MMA victories, the Rio native has 15 submissions, three knockouts and only one result ended up on the books. In his debut fight this season, the Brazilian failed to make the weight cut, lost a point and ended up being replaced.

Welterweight (up to 77kg.)

R. Cooper III (right) is the current PFL welterweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Sales Representative: Ray Cooper III (current champion), Rory McDonald, João Zeferino, Gleison Tibau, Magomed Magomedkerimov, David Michaud, Sadibou Sy, Nikolai Aleksakhin, Alexey Kunchenko, Jason Ponet.

To keep an eye

Looking for the second championship, Ray Cooper III wants to remain at the top of the category. Winner of the 2019 season, the North American has confirmed, with each performance, that he is one of the most complete athletes in the company. Decisive on the feet or on the ground, the fighter has 14 knockouts and seven submissions in his career, without ever leaving a triumph in the hands of the judges. Known as 'Bradda Boy', the athlete is a strong candidate to reach the finals.

Willing to make history in the PFL, Rory McDonald arrived as one of the main names acquired by the organization for 2021. Former UFC standout and former Bellator champion, the North American comes to try to make a difference in the championship. With 22 wins, six defeats and one draw, the Canadian is a name to be watched closely by spectators.

Welterweight champion in 2018, Magomed Magomedkerimov, now, seeks to regain the old belt. Analyzing the Russian's record, the fighter has a history of 'scaring' a poorly prepared opponent. Completely, the athlete, to date, has 26 wins and five losses in the sport. The fighter has an undefeated streak of 11 fights and has even won over the current holder of the title.

Known as 'The Brazilian Samurai', João Zeferino is one of the Brazilian representatives in the category. In the PFL since 2017, the athlete seeks to win his first belt in the organization. Professional in MMA since 2005, the Santa Catarina native, who had a limited time in the UFC, is going through a good period, with four consecutive victories. Today, Zeferino has 25 wins and nine losses, with jiu-jitsu as his main weapon (16 submissions).

Famous for being the man who came closest to beating the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, in 2012, Gleison Tibau has a lot of morals with the Brazilian fans. A veteran in the sport and with a remarkable stint in the UFC, the Mossoro native is trying to make his bet count and wants to get closer to the biggest payout of his career. At 37 years old, the fighter currently has 50 fights in the sport, having won 35 and losing 15. The Brazilian is known for his talent in the 'gentle art', submitting rivals in 14 engagements.

Light weight (up to 70,3kg.)

N. Schulte is two-time PFL champion and is looking for the third in 2021. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Sales Representative: Natan schulte (current champion), Anthony Pettis, Joilton Peregrino, Raush Manfio, Akhmed Aliev, Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Clay Collard, Johnny Case, Alexander Martinez, Marcin Held, Mikhail Odintsov, Loik Radzhabov.

To keep an eye

Champion in the 2018 and 2019 editions, Natan Shulte is looking for his third PFL championship. Famous for combining refined techniques in stand-up fighting and jiu-jitsu, the Santa Catarina native has a target on his back against possible rivals in the championship. Shulte entered the current season's tournament boasting a 10-fight undefeated streak. Today, the fighter has 20 wins and four losses in the sport.

Known for his agility and ability to surprise his opponents, Anthony Pettis, 34 years old, arrived at the company with weight in gold. Former UFC lightweight champion, 'Showtime' left the organization chaired by Dana White in 2020 and, subsequently, signed with the 'new house'. Seeking a fresh start, the North American wants to leave his victorious past behind and tries to write a new chapter in his career. Currently, the North American has 35 appearances in MMA, with 24 wins and 11 losses. His list of opponents includes names such as Donald Cerrone, Nate diaz, Tony Ferguson, Dustin poirier, Max Holloway, Charles of the Bronx, Rafael dos Anjos e Ben henderson.

Brazilian-born German, Joilton Peregrino makes his PFL debut in search of 'gold'. At just 28 years old, the athlete stands out for the number of fights he has already fought as a professional in the sport. To date, there are 46 commitments in the modality. The fighter has 34 victories, nine setbacks and one 'no result' fight. Peregrino is known for 'marrying' styles well in grappling and striking. Currently, there are 12 wins by knockout and 12 by submission.

Just like Joilton, Raush Manfio also undergoes his first test in the PFL. Representing São Paulo, the 'War Horse' is a former representative of Titan FC and is trying to achieve the biggest achievement in his career so far. The São Paulo native has 12 positive results and three negative results in mixed martial arts. The fighter is known for his knockout power, winning seven engagements on the fast track.

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg.)

L. Palmer holds the PFL featherweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Sales Representative: Lance Palmer (current champion), Sheymon Moraes, Tyler Diamond, Bubba Jenkins, Movlid Khaybulaev, Brendan Loughnane, Jason Soares, Sung Bin Jo, Chris Wade, Anthony Dizy.

To keep an eye

Two-time champion (2018 and 2019) in one of the organization's most evenly matched categories, Lance Palmer has his eyes on the Tri. Representing the United States, the athlete is known for his qualities in jiu-jitsu, winning eight of his 22 triumphs on the fast track. Today, the 33-year-old athlete has 26 MMA appearances, having lost in four.

After a lackluster experience in Ultimate, Sheymon Moraes is trying to get back on his feet. The Brazilian, whose strong point is knockout power, needs to surprise his opponents to reach the championship finals. The 30-year-old fighter has 11 triumphs and five setbacks in mixed martial arts.

Certainly, in featherweights, one of the names to look out for is that of Movlid Khaybulaev. Seeking his first belt, the Russian is undefeated in MMA, with 16 wins, one draw and one unsuccessful fight. In total, the 30-year-old athlete has two submissions and six knockouts.

With 12 victories and a negative result in his professional record, Tyler Diamond is another newcomer to the PFL. Having worked in the UFC, the 30-year-old North American wants to assert his promising status and settle the bill against his opponents.

Revealed by 'Contender Series', Brendan Loughnane is one of the representatives of the division who can stand out. Undefeated since 2017, the 31-year-old fighter is known for the power in his fists. In 20 victories, there are 11 knockouts. Today, English has 23 commitments in the sport.

One of the candidates for the title, Jason Soares, in addition to being part of the dangerous group, puts his unbeaten career record on the line. At 31 years old, the North American doesn't know what it's like to lose as a professional in sport. In total, there are 14 consecutive victories. The athlete specializes in jiu-jitsu, having finished in nine of his triumphs.

Women's lightweight (up to 70,3kg.)

Kayla receives the belt from the hands of Mike Tyson. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter PFL

Sales Representative: Kayla harrison (current champion), Mariana morais, Larissa pacheco, Cindy Dandois, Genah Fabian, Olena Kolesnyk, Julija Pajic, Laura Sanchez, Kaitlin Young, Taylor Guardado.

To keep an eye

Considered a future challenger for Amanda nunes, the former Olympic champion Kayla harrison, with each commitment, proves that she has what it takes to be a reference in women's MMA. A judo specialist, the 30-year-old North American has shown clear progress in the standing part and, until now, she doesn't know what it's like to lose in the sport. A professional in the sport since 2018, Harrison won the PFL tournament in 2019 and, today, has eight victories, knocking out three, finishing in two and with three positive results in points.

Former representative of Shooto Brasil, Marina Morais will make her debut in the PFL and, straight away, will be committed to testing herself against the champion. Known for her jiu-jitsu, the São Paulo native tries to use her experience to surprise in the tournament. At 26 years old, the fighter currently has 26 professional fights, winning 16 and losing 10.

Finalist in the 2019 edition, Larissa pacheco will try, for the second time, to occupy the highest point on the podium. In her first contest, the Brazilian hit the post, when she lost to Harrison, in the match that gave the North American the title. In 2021, the woman from Pará wants to rewrite history and, who knows, seek a rematch against Kayla, thus changing the outcome of the last tournament. Today, the 26-year-old fighter has 13 wins and four setbacks in MMA. Her specialty is jiu-jitsu, submitting eight of her rivals in the fast lane.