Category: PFL

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Feb. 25: Dan Hooker climbs the charts

Dan Hooker beat Paul Felder with a thin split decision in the UFC Auckland main event – but how far did it catapult him in the rankings?

Dan Hooker beat Paul Felder with a razor-thin split decision in the UFC on ESPN+ 26 main event.

There were plenty of viewers who scored the fight for Felder, but it was Hooker who got his hand raised in front of his home fans in New Zealand. One thing that can’t be disputed is the fight was a great one.

Going into UFC Auckland, Felder sat at No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie lightweight rankings. Hooker was just inside the numbers at 15. So after Hooker’s win, how far did he climb? And how far did Felder have to tumble with the loss?

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Take a look at all the moves in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings. This week should provide some movement, too, when Joseph Benavidez and Deiveson Figueiredo fight for the UFC’s vacant flyweight title.

To find out where your favorite fighters fall in the latest rankings, scroll to the top of the page and select a division from the drop-down menu.

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Twitter reacts: MMA community celebrates Valentine’s Day on social media

It’s another Valentine’s Day, and despite being some of the toughest characters in sports, MMA fighters are hardly immune to celebration.

It’s another Valentine’s Day, and despite being some of the toughest and most tenacious characters in all of sports, MMA fighters are hardly immune to celebration.

Check below to see a collection of tweets on Instagram posts of how MMA fighters and personalities from across the globe celebrated the holiday on social media.

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View this post on Instagram

Send this to someone special today 😘 #UFC248

A post shared by ufc (@ufc) on

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Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. Smooches 😘

A post shared by Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) on

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True love does exist! 😍😍😍

A post shared by Geoff Neal (@handzofsteelmma) on

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My only valentine. 💕

A post shared by Rachael Ostovich (@rachaelostovich) on

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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Feb. 11: Jon Jones regains the throne

Jon Jones may very well be the greatest of all-time, and he’s once again the world’s current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

[autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) may very well be the greatest of all-time, and he’s once again the world’s current No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

The UFC’s light heavyweight champion enjoyed the position before, an understandable ranking considering his unparalleled run of success in the octagon. But challenges outside of the cage repeatedly forced him to the sidelines, slowing his dominant run and allowing a new face to ascend the list: undefeated UFC lightweight champ [autotag]Khabib Nurmagomedov[/autotag] (28-0 MMA, 12-0 UFC).

But after Jones’ UFC 247 win over Dominick Reyes – however controversial it may be – it’s impossible to not reward for Jones for his remarkable run as a dominant force at 205 pounds.

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Jones returns to the No. 1 slot of the pound-for-pound rankings in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings – though Nurmagomedov could certainly make a case to push back to the top of the pile when he takes on Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in April.

In the meantime, check out the new-look pound-for-pound rankings, as well as all of the changes implemented following this past weekend’s UFC 247 event in Houston.

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Former UFC heavyweight Justin Willis signs with PFL

After a surprising release from the UFC, Justin Willis has signed with PFL and is expected to compete in the promotion’s 2020 heavyweight season.

[autotag]Justin Willis[/autotag] has a new home.

The former UFC fighter has agreed to terms with PFL and is expected to compete in the promotion’s 2020 heavyweight season for a chance at the $1 million prize awarded to the winner at the end of the year.

Two people with knowledge of the deal informed MMA Junkie of the news. They wished to remain anonymous since PFL officials have yet to make a formal announcement.

Willis (8-2) joins PFL following a somewhat surprising release from the UFC. The American Kickboxing Academy product departed after a 4-1 run in the octagon, which included notable victories over Mark Hunt and Chase Sherman. Willis’ lone loss in the UFC was to Curtis Blaydes, who’s currently a top contender in the division.

Willis, 32, last fought in March 2019, when he suffered the decision loss to Blaydes at UFC Nashville.

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PFL’s International Qualifier Series next step in ‘signing the best fighters in the world’

The PFL’s 2020 season doesn’t officially kick off until May, but the promotion isn’t waiting until then to start arranging some fights.

The PFL’s 2020 season doesn’t officially kick off until May, but the promotion isn’t waiting until then to start arranging some fights.

PFL officials recently announced plans to hold an International Qualifier Series, with fighters competing at events in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Russia and the United Arab Emirates with a chance of earning a PFL deal.

“We’re a leader in the sport,” PFL CEO Peter Murray told MMA Junkie. “We have a global stage, and we’re in a market for signing the best fighters in the world. Why not do that in strategic markets outside the U.S. with credible co-promotion partners?”

Working in tandem with local regional promotions, PFL will host single-night four-man tournaments in each market, with the winner fighting twice in one night, similar to the way the organization conducts its playoffs at the conclusion of each season.

“‘Fight twice in one night’ is part of the DNA of the league and our playoffs,” Murray said. “Why not continue to expand that model and test fighters mettle, and the toughest fighters will get in?”

The new events are scheduled to take place in February and March. UAE Warriors will host a featherweight event in the Emirates, while Murray said the company will announce the other regional partners over the next two weeks. The fights will be distributed by each promotion in their correlating domestic markets, while PFL will share them internationally.

Murray believes the series will not only help the PFL identify new talent but also help grow the promotion’s brand across the globe.

“For us, the way we cast the net for talent is a lot different than the other guys,” Murray said. “We’re pretty confident in our brand, in our platform, in our format, and to work with regional promotions – we operate on a global stage. Those other promotions are regional, and our mission is to reimagine and grow the sport and absolutely expand the sport not only in the U.S. but certainly outside the U.S., where there’s a tremendous amount of business potential for us.”

PFL officials said the 2020 season will be distributed to 160 countries worldwide, while ESPN2 and ESPN+ will remain their broadcast home in the U.S.

Murray said the PFL 2019 Championship was viewed by 400,000 people on linear television in the U.S. and “3 million-plus outside the U.S.” That has him optimistic about the upcoming opportunities, and he says the company will remain active in the time leading up to May’s season launch.

“The PFL’s lights are never off,” Murray said. “This is pre-season, and we’ve got a lot of action going on in anticipation of the season with fights around the world with international qualifier series, other content that we’ll be producing to give fans access to our fighters and telling their stories leading up to May.

“Lights are never off. That’s what’s fun about it.”

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Jan. 28: Michael Chiesa making welterweight moves

Now 3-0 in his new weight class, it seems Michael Chiesa is coming into his own at 170 pounds.

Now 3-0 in his new weight class, it seems [autotag]Michael Chiesa[/autotag] is coming into his own at 170 pounds.

Chiesa (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) picked up a win over former UFC champ [autotag]Rafael dos Anjos[/autotag] (29-13 MMA, 18-11 UFC) at this past weekend’s UFC on ESPN+ 24 event in North Carolina, marking his third consecutive victory since moving up to the welterweight division. The effort was rewarded in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, with “Maverick” debuting on the 170-pound list at No. 13, settling just ahead of dos Anjos, who entered the week as a top-10 fighter but drops now to No. 14.

That wasn’t the only action to come out of UFC Raleigh. Heavyweight [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] (13-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) also moved up the list following his big win over former champ [autotag]Junior Dos Santos[/autotag] (21-7 MMA, 15-6 UFC), while [autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag] (16-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and [autotag]Angela Hill[/autotag] (11-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC) each earned spots as honorable mentions in their respective categories following their octagon victories, as well.

And, of course, one of the sport’s all-time greats, [autotag]Cris Cyborg[/autotag] (22-2 MMA, 1-0 BMMA), was in action this past weekend, as well, claiming Bellator’s women’s featherweight title with a TKO victory over [autotag]Julia Budd[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) at Bellator 238.

Check out all the movement in the latest update to our rankings.

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Report: Crime-fighting MMA superhero ‘Phoenix Jones’ arrested on drug charges

“Phoenix Jones” makes a life out of fighting crime on the street. Except, Seattle police allege, when he’s committing crime himself.

The crime-fighting persona of “Phoenix Jones” has taken an interesting twist.

Jones is the alter ego of Seattle’s [autotag]Ben Fodor[/autotag], a mixed martial artist whose highest-profile fights were in World Series of Fighting.

In costume, Fodor garnered headlines through his vigilante crime patrols in downtown Seattle and adjacent neighborhoods.

But according to Seattle television station KOMO, Fodor recently found himself on the wrong side of the law, as he was arrested earlier this month in King County (Wash). and faces multiple drug charges after allegedly selling Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cocaine.

According to KOMO, Jones sold 7.1 grams of MDMA, known on the streets as “Molly,” to an undercover agent of the Seattle Police Department at a Starbucks on Nov. 21. The agent had sent Fodor $300 via Venmo prior to the deal, paid another $200 in person, and had an agreement for a future deal.

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That second transaction was consummated on Jan. 9, after which Fodor and alleged accomplice Andrea Irene Berendsen were arrested. Seven bundles of cocaine were discovered, according to the KOMO report.

This is not Fodor’s first run-in with law enforcement, as he has been cited eight times for driving on a suspended license.

Fodor was released on Jan. 11 and is scheduled for arraignment on Feb. 3.

In MMA, Fodor has a 7-3-1 record, which includes a 1-2 run in WSOF in 2015 and 2016. He last competed on Oct. 14, 2017, dropping a unanimous decision to Austin Vanderford in Tacoma, Wash.

PFL’s Daniel Pineda fined, suspended and has wins overturned after drug test failure

Daniel Pineda was granted some leniency by the Nevada commission after admitting fault for his drug test failure in the PFL playoffs.

[autotag]Daniel Pineda[/autotag] quickly admitted fault for his use of a banned substance in the 2019 PFL Playoffs, and for that reason the Nevada Athletic Commission has showed some leniency.

Following his back-to-back first-round finishes at the PFL postseason event in October, Pineda (26-13) was flagged for having an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio in his system. The tests pulled him from the $1 million featherweight title fight, and he’s been dealing with the fallout since.

At Wednesday’s NAC meeting, a settlement between Pineda and the commission was announced. Because he quickly owned up to use of a banned substance, Pineda was dealt just a six-month suspension, which will conclude April 18.

In addition, Pineda also was issued a $12,500 fine and will be required to pay $981.18 in prosecution fees. His suspension won’t be lifted until he reimburses both amounts or enters into a payment plan with the commission to do so.

Pineda must also provide the commission with clean drug tests 30, 15 and three days out from his next contest in Nevada. Pineda’s two wins from the PFL event against Jeremy Kennedy and Movlid Khaybulaev have been overturned to no contests.

Neither Pineda nor his representatives were on hand at the meeting to issue comment.

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Thiago Alves says he’s talking to Bellator and PFL, but money has to be there to keep fighting

Former UFC title challenger Thiago Alves weighs-in on his future in MMA and the conditions to continue his career.

[autotag]Thiago Alves[/autotag] finds himself in a comfortable situation.

The former UFC title challenger and longtime welterweight contender fought out his contract with the promotion in December and now is exploring the market as a free agent.

Alves, who lost to Tim Means by submission at UFC on ESPN 7, said he has no rush to get back in the cage. In fact, if things don’t align for him, the Brazilian fighter is willing to walk away from the sport.

Whether or not Alves (23-15 MMA, 15-12 UFC) continues his storied career depends on one simple, but significant factor.

“Money,” Alves told MMA Junkie. “The money has to be right. I was making pretty good money with the UFC. I know what the media has put out there, but it’s very inaccurate. But I don’t like to go out there and be like, ‘Oh, you guys have to make this one right,’ because it doesn’t matter what they know and what they don’t know.

“I’ve been making really good money with the UFC. I’ve been making six figures with the UFC since 2008. So financially, I don’t need to fight anymore. I want to fight because I love what I do. I just turned 36 right now, and in my last fight I got caught. But I do feel like I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.”

A big part of Alves’ lack of urgency to sign with a promotion and continue his MMA career are the different passions and avenues he has to make money outside of fighting.

“I’m excited right now to see what’s the next chapter,” Alves said. “I still have a lot of fight left in me. But if the money doesn’t make sense, then I’m happy to walk away. I have a lot of stuff in place already.

“I’m one of the coaches at American Top Team, and (I’m) opening my own American Top Team gym with Wilson Gouveia, who was my former teammate since I got here 18 years ago. I’m also in the process of getting hired in law enforcement, which has been my first passion before MMA.

“So if the money doesn’t make sense, I’ll be more than happy to focus on the next stage of my life and get those things in place. So that’s where I’m at right now. I don’t need to fight. I don’t have to fight. I’d like to fight, but only if the money makes sense. It needs to get me excited to go train, do a training camp and all that stuff. So that’s pretty much where I am right now.”

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Alves expects to have an answer on his fighting career sometime in the near future and said he’s in talks with Bellator and the PFL.

“By the end of this month, I will know if I will go in the police academy or if I’m going to fight again,” Alves said. “I’m in negotiations with PFL, I’m in negotiations with Bellator, and I’m just waiting to see final numbers. If the final numbers make sense, then I’ll compete this year. If not, I’lll move on to the next chapter.

“If I don’t hear something that makes me excited by the end of the month, I’m just going to turn to the next chapter and do what I do. I don’t have to fight if the money doesn’t make sense, and that’s a beautiful thing. I know many guys that reach the point where I’m at and they have to fight because they don’t have any other alternative.”

If Alves’ MMA career is over, he has plenty on his resume to leave the sport with his head held high.

Alves fought in the UFC for 14 years. He challenged one of the greatest fighters of all time, Georges St-Pierre, for the welterweight title at UFC 100. He earned four “Performance of the Night” bonuses, and defeated many of the best fighters of his era like former champion Matt Hughes, Josh Koscheck, Patrick Cote, Karo Parisyan and Chris Lytle.

Looking back, Alves is astonished and grateful for everything he was able to achieve.

“I left Brazil at 19 to start a fighting career and I accomplished way more than I ever dreamed of,” Alves said. “I never imagined I’d be speaking English with you and living in America in a beautiful house, being married, and this and that. So I’ve been living my dream since I was 19.

“I started fighting muay Thai in Brazil when I was 15, and my first MMA fight was at 17. It was PRIDE FC rules – bare knuckles, all that. And when it comes to the thrill of being a fighter of the things that you have to live through, I’ve got 10 surgeries under my belt. So I’m happy with that. I’m fulfilled with that.

“The only thing I wasn’t able to accomplish was become a champion. But when I was fighting, I was competing against the greatest of all time – Georges St-Pierre. So it was hard to beat that guy. But this was fun. I’ve been a top contender for a long time. I have a lot of knockouts under my belt, and I think I left my mark in MMA. So if this is it, I’m happy with it. This is just one-third of my life – hopefully one-fourth if I grow old enough. There’s a lot more to life outside of MMA, but I’m excited I was able to do what I did and lived the life that I’ve lived so far.”

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Slo-mo millionaires: Recap the PFL Championship finals in their super-slow-motion ‘Fight Flow’ highlights

Relive the best moments from the 2019 PFL Championship finals in the Professional Fighters League’s super-slow-motion highlights recap.

In mixed martial arts everything can change in the blink of an eye, and the true skill and artistry of the fighters can sometimes only truly be seen when you slow the action right down and watch it again.

And, as the Professional Fighters League draws a line under their 2019 season, the organization has released a final highlights video showing their big winners in the best possible light at their end-of-season finale at the Hulu Theater in New York.

Six fighters were crowned PFL 2019 season champions as Emiliano Sordi, Ali Isaev, Natan Schulte, Ray Cooper III, Lance Palmer and Kayla Harrison won their respective tournament finals and each picked up a championship belt and check for $1 million for their efforts.

Check out the best moments from the fight card via the video above as the PFL Championship winners, plus featherweight showcase winner Brendan Loughnane, claimed big wins on a big night in the Big Apple.