Entering the scene in 2018, the Professional Fighters League has established itself as a top player in the combat sports world. With a tournament format, the promotion holds events that can turn MMA fighters into stars and millionaires. These events are featured on ESPN+ in the U.S. and DAZN in the U.K.
Following the acquisition and restructuring of the World Series of Fighting, the PFL, founded by Donn Davis, has thrust itself into the spotlight thanks to deals with ESPN and its PFL Europe program.
In a recent study by Forbes, the PFL is the second most mentioned entity in combat sports, right behind the UFC. That is due to its unique format, interest in competition, and signing some of the best fighters in the world.
MORE: Sign up to watch the PFL 2023 Playoffs, exclusively on ESPN+
Here’s a breakdown of some of the top PFL signings from recent to early in its run.
List to be updated.
Top PFL signings
Francis Ngannou
- MMA record: 17-3
- Boxing record: TBA
- Current titles: UFC lineal heavyweight
One of the biggest free agent signings in MMA history, the PFL signed Francis Ngannou to an exclusive deal after the former UFC heavyweight champion exited the UFC following unsuccessful negotiations with the company and Dana White.
A dispute in negotiating a new contract was fighter pay. Joining the PFL, Ngannou’s deal includes the following:
- Fighting under the New Super Fight Division
- A high seven-figure purse for each fight
- A non-exclusive contract when it comes to competing inside a boxing ring
- A minimum salary (as high as $1 million) for his opponent
Speaking of boxing, Ngannou will represent the PFL when he faces WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in a boxing bout on October 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Cameroonian will fight inside a PFL cage in 2024.
MORE: Full list of PFL winners by year
Jake Paul
- Boxing record: 7-1
- MMA record: TBA
- Current titles: N/A
Known for being one of the top boxing YouTubers, Jake Paul signed a multi-year deal with the PFL to become a fighter and “Head of Fighter Advocacy.” Owning an equity share, Paul helped form the Super Fight division, where fighters can earn at least 50% of the PFL’s pay-per-view revenue.
“The Problem Child” is accustomed to competing against MMA fighters, beating Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, Anderson Silva, and Nate Diaz inside a boxing ring. His recent fight against Diaz was a unanimous decision win, and there were reports of an MMA fight between the two. Paul offered Diaz $10 million to fight inside the SmartCage, with the PFL’s Donn Davis confirming the offer.
“I’ve already disrupted boxing. And now, it’s time to disrupt MMA,” Paul said. “I know this is a tough sport. It’s not going to be easy. But if I can do it in boxing, I can do it in MMA… We’re about to change the f------ game, baby.”
MORE: PFL Playoffs 2023 Bracket
Amanda Serrano
- Boxing record: 45-2-1
- MMA record: 2-0-1
- Current titles: Undisputed featherweight
Joining the leader of Most Valuable Promotions is teammate Amanda Serrano, the undisputed featherweight champion. She joined the Super Fight division, where she will compete against the best MMA has to offer.
A seven-division world champion, Serrano's held nine titles across those divisions, a Guinness World Record for a female fighter. The Puerto Rican star beat Erika Cruz in February 2023 to become undisputed in the featherweight division. She last fought in early August, retaining her belts in a rematch against boxer and MMA fighter Heather Hardy.
Outside of boxing, Serrano's 2-0-1 in MMA since 2018, competing for Combate Americas and iKON Fighting. "The Real Deal" has also competed in five submission grappling matches, going 5-0.
"I joined the PFL PPV Super Fight Division because of their revolutionary format that empowers fighters like never before. The PFL's commitment to promoting high-profile, pay-per-view events with some of the biggest MMA stars in the world showcases an incredible opportunity to elevate my career to new heights and prove my ability beyond just the ring. I may be known for boxing, but I’ve always loved and trained in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu, knowing those skills would only add to my ability when going against any opponent,” said Serrano.
“The League's commitment to gender equality, providing equal opportunities and recognition of female fighters, is also a driving force behind my decision. I can't wait to step back into the cage and deliver thrilling performances and unforgettable moments for fans around the world."
Claressa Shields
- Boxing record: 14-0
- MMA record: 1-1
- Current titles: Undisputed middleweight
In 2020, the PFL signed Claressa Shields, a three-division boxing champion and the only male or female boxer to hold all four major belts in two weight classes simultaneously. The current undisputed middleweight champion, she made her PFL debut in June 2021, beating Brittney Elkin via TKO. Shields' last fight with the promotion was a split decision loss against Abigail Montes in October 2021.
MORE: Join DAZN to watch the 2023 PFL Playoffs
She's expected to compete in the SmartCage in 2024.
“I am excited to return to a fighter-first organization, and I can’t wait to return to The PFL SmartCage,” said Shields. “My goal remains unchanged; I will be the first athlete to hold championships in both boxing and MMA simultaneously. I have grown so much since my first MMA fight and cannot wait to put my skills on display.”
Cedric Doumbe
- Kickboxing record: 75-7-1
- MMA record: 4-0
- Current titles: N/A
Expanding its PFL Europe platform, the promotions signed top kickboxer Cedric Doumbe. A former Glory Kickboxing welterweight champion, Doumbe has over 45 wins via knockout and has won various tournaments. Joining MMA in 2021, he is 4-0, with all four wins via knockout.
The Cameroonian-born fighter, a star of Netflix’s The Circle France, competes on a PFL France card on September 30.
“I am a unique fighter joining a unique organization in the PFL,” said Doumbe. “I look forward to great success in the PFL.”
MORE: Breaking down the purse and salary history of PFL fighters
Kayla Harrison
- Judo record: 45-7
- MMA record: 15-1
- Current titles: N/A
The first true homegrown star for the promotion, Kayla Harrison became one of the top fighters in the world due to her dominant in-ring skills. A two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, she has won over 39 medals, from the Pan American Games to the IJF Grand Prix.
Signing with WSOF in 2016, she made her PFL debut in 2018. Harrison quickly adjusted to her new venture, becoming a two-time PFL lightweight tournament winner. The 33-year-old has six wins via submission and six via knockout. Re-signing with the PFL to a multi-year deal, her last fight was a loss against rival Larissa Pacheco at the 2022 PFL Finals.
Despite not competing during the 2023 season, Harrison is ready to return to the PFL within its Super Fight division.
Savannah Marshall
- Boxing record: 13-1
- MMA record: TBA
- Current titles: WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring super middleweight titles
Boxer Marshall won her first world title by collecting the WBO middleweight belt in her ninth fight, successfully defending it three times before losing to Shields on points in a respectable performance as part of a much-anticipated bout at London's O2 Arena in October 2022.
Marshall beat Franchon Crews-Dezurn at Manchester Arena to win the undisputed super middleweight belts in July 2023, and she said she was "thrilled" to "begin my journey in MMA" when she joined the PFL the following month.
“I am proud to join the most talented female combat sports athletes in the world and continue to raise the profile of women in sports through PFLW," the Hartlepool fighter added.
With the signing, there's a chance fight fans see Shields vs. Marshall 2 inside the SmartCage.