The PFL is set to undergo significant changes to the season format before the 2025 season kicks off. The acquisition of Bellator has already shifted the promotion landscape, but now the very foundation of the PFL is evolving.
Donn Davis has already announced that elbows will be legal in all PFL fights moving forward. While this changes the dynamics of fights inside the Smart Cage, more changes are on the horizon regarding the format of these bouts. The $1 million tournament, which was a key selling point for the PFL, will see a reduction in prize money, with the “Tournament Champions Bonus” now set at $500,000.
According to Uncrowned’s Drake Riggs, there will also be changes to how fighters progress through the regular season format. The previous points system used to determine playoff matchups will no longer be in place, as the focus shifts towards showcasing talent in the Road to Dubai Champions Series events.
The season format will now prioritize building up rising stars and exciting talent within the promotion rather than being the end goal for every fighter. Zullino also revealed details of a revised bonus scheme for fighters in non-season title fights.
