Photo from the Professional Fighters League website
MANILA, Philippines — It appears the Philippines will have another international mixed martial arts outfit coming to its shores.
The Professional Fighters League, which was founded in 2018, has always staged its cards in the United States or Russia but is now looking to expand into other countries like the Philippines.
Unlike other promotions where fights are scheduled year round, the PFL has a season format akin to the conventional leagues like the NBA or NFL with a regular season paving way for the playoffs and eventually the championship.
India and Australia are being discussed as potential nations to host a PFL card while the Philippines is also in the conversation to hold qualifiers or even the season finale.
“It’s insane over there. The Filipinos absolutely love watching fights, they love the fighters, whether or not he’s Filipino,” said PFL Vice President Loren Mack.
“It’s a lot like how it is in Japan, wherein they respect the fighters by keeping quiet during fights, except in the Philippines, they show love to the fighters by cheering them on, win or lose.”
The Philippines has always maintained a rich fighting culture with names such as Eduard Folayang, Joshua Pacio, and Rolando Dy getting success in international outfits.
Promotions such as the UFC have also staged fights and promotional tours in the country.
Mack added he has no doubt a Filipino will someday become a PFL world champion.
“It’s very possible. Filipino fighters have made it big in the UFC, they’ve become world champions in other organizations, so I have no doubt in my mind that a Filipino could one day hold up that million-dollar check with a PFL world \championship around his or her waist. Personally, I’d love to see that,” said Mack.