PFL playoffs start in New York City before heading to the United Kingdom
PFL CEO Peter Murray speaks at the league's announcement on May 24, 2022, that playoff events will take place in the United Kingdom this season. Credit: Yingwah Yau
PFL events can be seen in more than 160 countries, but so far through its fourth season, all of the MMA league's events have taken place in the United States.
That will change in the Season 4 playoffs this summer.
The PFL will host two of its three semifinal events in the United Kingdom, including Aug. 13 at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff and Aug. 20 at the Copperbox Arena in London, as part of a new partnership with Live Nation announced Tuesday. The PFL will begin its postseason at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 5.
"MMA fans in the United Kingdom will experience PFL’s star fighters battle it out for a shot at the PFL World Championship and the $6 million dollar prize money," PFL CEO Peter Murray said.
Four fighters in each of the six weight classes qualify for the PFL playoffs, and each playoff event will feature two weight classes. The semifinal winners in each class meet in the PFL Championship later this year for the championship belt and a $1 million prize.
The second matches of the regular season begin June 17 in Atlanta. Islip's Chris Wade, who is in third place in the featherweight division with three points, will compete on June 24 against an opponent to be announced, according to PFL's website.
Mark La Monica is a deputy sports editor at Newsday. He also covers mixed martial arts.
