Tag: Peter Murray

Peter Murray: PFL: Battle of the Giants biggest event of 2024 – bigger than UFC 300, UFC 306 at Sphere

PFL CEO Peter Murray is well aware of UFC boss Dana White’s shots at the promotion, but it doesn’t seem to bother him.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Peter Murray believes PFL: Battle of the Giants is the biggest MMA event of the year.

PFL: Battle of the Giants (DAZN/ESPN+ pay-per-view) takes place Saturday at The Mayadeen. Two super fight belts will be on the line, with former UFC champion [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag] (17-3) taking on 2023 PFL champion [autotag]Renan Ferreira[/autotag] (13-3) in the heavyweight main event. In the co-main event, Cris Cyborg (27-2-1) will look to collect her fifth belt from a major organization when she faces two-time PFL champion Larissa Pacheco (23-4). A Bellator title-fight rematch between champion Johnny Eblen (15-0) and Fabian Edwards (13-3) is also on the card, as well as a lightweight banger between A.J. McKee (22-1) and Paul Hughes (12-1).

Murray sees this event not only as the biggest in company history, but the PFL CEO even puts it ahead of UFC 300 and UFC 306 at Sphere.

“This is the biggest event of absolutely the PFL company history and the biggest event of the year,” Murray told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “I’m looking forward to stacking this up against – when you look at the cards from UFC 300, the Sphere, but as it relates to the card, this event on Oct. 19 is the biggest of the year, second to none.”

Murray and PFL co-owner Donn Davis’ bold claims have received heavy criticism from UFC CEO Dana White, who trashes PFL and its product every time he’s asked about them.

White’s words don’t seem to bother Murray.

“Listen, we’re focused on our game,” Murray said in response. “Our roster is second to none. The quality of our production and presentation is second to none. We bring more innovation to the sport of MMA than anyone has in the last two decades, and so we’re proud of the position we’re in as, I would say, a co-leader in the sport. There’s so much more room for growth, and why we exist is to expand the sport, grow the sport, create a system in the sport that’s lacking around the world, and ultimately get fighters opportunity.

“That’s our focus. And fans, all they want is great fighters and great fights. We do it with purpose as it relates to growing the sport, professionalizing the sport. I’m not about talking about the other guy. We’re focused on what we’re building, and I think the fans are really excited about it. We’re in growth mode and major growth underway, particularly internationally. We’re going to be making announcements, how we’re going to be expanding in the Middle East. Obviously we’re staging first-ever professional global MMA events in Africa with the launch of PFL Africa, and then PFL Australia will also be launched.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL: Battle of the Giants.

MMA Junkie Radio #3503: UFC 307 review, Peter Murray interview, more

Check out the latest episode of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze.”


Monday’s episode of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here.

On Episode 3,503, the fellas welcome in PFL CEO [autotag]Peter Murray[/autotag]. The fellas also preview this weekend’s big UFC 307 card with two title fights taking place in Salt Lake City. Tune in!

Who’s next for Francis Ngannou? Deontay Wilder? Options abound

Who’s next for Francis Ngannou? Deontay Wilder? Options abound for the MMA star-turned-boxer.

One person who wasn’t surprised by Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury was Peter Murray.

The CEO of PFL MMA, Ngannou’s mixed martial arts promoter, expected him to do well in his boxing debut against the heavyweight boxing champion last week in Saudi Arabia. And even though Fury won a split decision, Murray believes Ngannou made an enormous statement.

“Francis was underestimated by everyone,” Murray told Boxing Junkie, “sports fans, boxing fans, combat sports fans around the world. That included Tyson Fury. Francis proved he’s the best combat sports athlete in the world.

“Now he’s got more fuel to take on the sport of boxing in addition to continuing to compete in MMA with PFL. In my opinion the [decision] went the wrong way but he came out a winner.”

What’s next after his break through?

That will be up to Ngannou, who reportedly is considering his options. You can bet the Las Vegas-based native of Cameroon will compete in both boxing and MMA going forward, probably making his decisions fight by fight depending on opportunities.

He’s a proven commodity in MMA, in which he is 17-3 (12 KOs) and was the UFC heavyweight champion. However, he became a major player in boxing over night with his strong performance against the unbeaten champion.

Fury appears to be headed toward a showdown with fellow titleholder Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed championship this winter, perhaps in February. A Fury-Ngannou rematch could come later.

And former champs Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua reportedly have been negotiating to fight one another.

Ngannou reportedly also has been in contact with Wilder, though. And, according to Murray, they could meet under hybrid boxing-MMA rules.

“Some of the best athletes, some of the best fighters in boxing would like to compete against Francis in his next bout. We’re evaluating those options and plotting his next move in MMA,” Murray said.

“And, yes, fighting Wilder is an absolute possibility under modified rules. They are two incredible athletes, Francis and Deontay. We would expand the rules. …

“We wouldn’t put Deontay in a cage with Francis under current MMA rules. With some modifications, we could level the playing field and make it really interesting for the fans.”

Of course, the negotiation process is just getting started Ngannou. And it could go on for a while. That’s what happens when you make the kind of statement he made on a huge stage.

And it doesn’t seem to matter than he’s 37 years old.

“He’s the Tom Brady of MMA,” Murray said. “There are a number of years to come.”

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Who’s next for Francis Ngannou? Deontay Wilder? Options abound

Who’s next for Francis Ngannou? Deontay Wilder? Options abound for the MMA star-turned-boxer.

One person who wasn’t surprised by Francis Ngannou’s performance against Tyson Fury was Peter Murray.

The CEO of PFL MMA, Ngannou’s mixed martial arts promoter, expected him to do well in his boxing debut against the heavyweight boxing champion last week in Saudi Arabia. And even though Fury won a split decision, Murray believes Ngannou made an enormous statement.

“Francis was underestimated by everyone,” Murray told Boxing Junkie, “sports fans, boxing fans, combat sports fans around the world. That included Tyson Fury. Francis proved he’s the best combat sports athlete in the world.

“Now he’s got more fuel to take on the sport of boxing in addition to continuing to compete in MMA with PFL. In my opinion the [decision] went the wrong way but he came out a winner.”

What’s next after his break through?

That will be up to Ngannou, who reportedly is considering his options. You can bet the Las Vegas-based native of Cameroon will compete in both boxing and MMA going forward, probably making his decisions fight by fight depending on opportunities.

He’s a proven commodity in MMA, in which he is 17-3 (12 KOs) and was the UFC heavyweight champion. However, he became a major player in boxing over night with his strong performance against the unbeaten champion.

Fury appears to be headed toward a showdown with fellow titleholder Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed championship this winter, perhaps in February. A Fury-Ngannou rematch could come later.

And former champs Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua reportedly have been negotiating to fight one another.

Ngannou reportedly also has been in contact with Wilder, though. And, according to Murray, they could meet under hybrid boxing-MMA rules.

“Some of the best athletes, some of the best fighters in boxing would like to compete against Francis in his next bout. We’re evaluating those options and plotting his next move in MMA,” Murray said.

“And, yes, fighting Wilder is an absolute possibility under modified rules. They are two incredible athletes, Francis and Deontay. We would expand the rules. …

“We wouldn’t put Deontay in a cage with Francis under current MMA rules. With some modifications, we could level the playing field and make it really interesting for the fans.”

Of course, the negotiation process is just getting started Ngannou. And it could go on for a while. That’s what happens when you make the kind of statement he made on a huge stage.

And it doesn’t seem to matter than he’s 37 years old.

“He’s the Tom Brady of MMA,” Murray said. “There are a number of years to come.”

[lawrence-related id=39535,39507,39503,39500,39495,39488]

PFL CEO Peter Murray talks Shane Burgos’ loss, Jake Paul’s MMA debut, Francis Ngannou, more

PFL CEO Peter Murray shares his thoughts on Jake Paul’s MMA debut, a potential Francis Ngannou signing, and more.

LAS VEGAS – The third PFL event for 2023 is in the books, and the promotion’s CEO [autotag]Peter Murray[/autotag] spoke to the media to give updates on the biggest things going on with the company.

2023 PFL 3 went down on Friday night at The Theater at Virgin Hotels. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+.

Below you can check out Murray’s comments on [autotag]Shane Burgos[/autotag]’ debut loss, what’s going on with [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag], potential signing of [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag], [autotag]Kayla Harrison[/autotag]’s future, and more.

Jake Paul appears to be serious about move to MMA

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul appears to be serious about crossing over to MMA.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at MMAJunkie.com.

If Jake Paul is serious about crossing over into MMA, the PFL appears to be equally as serious in having him.

Last week, Sports Business Journal reported that the PFL was in “early talks” with Paul and his agent, Nakisa Bidarian, about having the YouTuber-turned-boxer join the promotion. Competing in MMA is a move that Paul has hinted at repeatedly in the past year.

On Thursday, PFL CEO Peter Murray confirmed to MMA Junkie that “there have been conversations” with Paul’s camp, and he elaborated on where things stand.

“Hey, listen, you know, if any major athlete that is considering and wants to get into MMA, of course the PFL is in the conversation,” Murray said. “What the PFL is about is offering fighters opportunities and fans access to great events. Jake has certainly got a large global following. He’s got a strong point of view. He’s a real athlete, and he’s established himself in boxing. And, you know, if he’s looking at MMA as that next opportunity in parallel, perhaps with boxing, of course we’re going to have a conversation.”

Paul, who has a massive social media following, could be just what the PFL needs after announcing last year that it would venture into hosting pay-per-views in 2022. He raised eyebrows last week when he posted a video of his “1st day training kicks.”

Paul is coming off a successful 2021 inside the ring where he went 3-0 at the expense of past MMA greats. Last April, he knocked out former Bellator and ONE Championship title holder Ben Askren under the Triller Fight Club banner. Paul followed that up with an August split decision win over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley before viciously knocking out Woodley in a rematch last month. Those two PPV headliners were on Showtime, which Paul is currently signed to.

In addition to feuding with Askren and Woodley, Paul has called out a plethora of top UFC stars, including Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, and current welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. And Paul has been the proverbial fly in the ointment by speaking out against UFC president Dana White and fighter pay.

Murray made it clear that he doesn’t necessarily support everything Paul has said and done in the past year, but he’s ready to do business with “The Problem Child” if they can work out a deal.

“It doesn’t mean the PFL supports his detailed manifesto,” Murray said. “It’s not about that. What we’re about is providing opportunities for fighters and great events for fans. Simple.”

Jake Paul appears to be serious about move to MMA

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul appears to be serious about crossing over to MMA.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at MMAJunkie.com.

If Jake Paul is serious about crossing over into MMA, the PFL appears to be equally as serious in having him.

Last week, Sports Business Journal reported that the PFL was in “early talks” with Paul and his agent, Nakisa Bidarian, about having the YouTuber-turned-boxer join the promotion. Competing in MMA is a move that Paul has hinted at repeatedly in the past year.

On Thursday, PFL CEO Peter Murray confirmed to MMA Junkie that “there have been conversations” with Paul’s camp, and he elaborated on where things stand.

“Hey, listen, you know, if any major athlete that is considering and wants to get into MMA, of course the PFL is in the conversation,” Murray said. “What the PFL is about is offering fighters opportunities and fans access to great events. Jake has certainly got a large global following. He’s got a strong point of view. He’s a real athlete, and he’s established himself in boxing. And, you know, if he’s looking at MMA as that next opportunity in parallel, perhaps with boxing, of course we’re going to have a conversation.”

Paul, who has a massive social media following, could be just what the PFL needs after announcing last year that it would venture into hosting pay-per-views in 2022. He raised eyebrows last week when he posted a video of his “1st day training kicks.”

Paul is coming off a successful 2021 inside the ring where he went 3-0 at the expense of past MMA greats. Last April, he knocked out former Bellator and ONE Championship title holder Ben Askren under the Triller Fight Club banner. Paul followed that up with an August split decision win over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley before viciously knocking out Woodley in a rematch last month. Those two PPV headliners were on Showtime, which Paul is currently signed to.

In addition to feuding with Askren and Woodley, Paul has called out a plethora of top UFC stars, including Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, and current welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. And Paul has been the proverbial fly in the ointment by speaking out against UFC president Dana White and fighter pay.

Murray made it clear that he doesn’t necessarily support everything Paul has said and done in the past year, but he’s ready to do business with “The Problem Child” if they can work out a deal.

“It doesn’t mean the PFL supports his detailed manifesto,” Murray said. “It’s not about that. What we’re about is providing opportunities for fighters and great events for fans. Simple.”