Battle of the Giants larger than UFC 300, Sphere

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Peter Murray believes PFL: Battle of the Giants is the most important MMA occasion of the yr.

PFL: Battle of the Giants (DAZN/ESPN+ pay-per-view) takes place Saturday at The Mayadeen. Two tremendous combat belts can be on the road, with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou (17-3) taking up 2023 PFL champion Renan Ferreira (13-3) within the heavyweight most important occasion. Within the co-main occasion, Cris Cyborg (27-2-1) will look to gather her fifth belt from a significant group 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) can be on the cardboard, in addition to a light-weight banger between A.J. McKee (22-1) and Paul Hughes (12-1).

Murray sees this occasion not solely as the most important in firm historical past, however the PFL CEO even places it forward of UFC 300 and UFC 306 at Sphere.

“That is the most important occasion of completely the PFL firm historical past and the most important occasion of the yr,” Murray instructed MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “I’m wanting ahead to stacking this up in opposition to – while you have a look at the playing cards from UFC 300, the Sphere, however because it pertains to the cardboard, this occasion on Oct. 19 is the most important of the yr, second to none.”

Murray and PFL co-owner Donn Davis’ daring claims have acquired heavy criticism from UFC CEO Dana White, who trashes PFL and its product each time he’s requested about them.

White’s phrases don’t appear to trouble Murray.

“Pay attention, we’re centered on our sport,” Murray stated in response. “Our roster is second to none. The standard of our manufacturing and presentation is second to none. We deliver extra innovation to the game of MMA than anybody has within the final twenty years, and so we’re happy with the place we’re in as, I’d say, a co-leader within the sport. There’s a lot extra room for progress, and why we exist is to increase the game, develop the game, create a system within the sport that’s missing all over the world, and finally get fighters alternative.

“That’s our focus. And followers, all they need is nice fighters and nice fights. We do it with goal because it pertains to rising the game, professionalizing the game. I’m not about speaking concerning the different man. We’re centered on what we’re constructing, and I believe the followers are actually enthusiastic about it. We’re in progress mode and main progress underway, significantly internationally. We’re going to be making bulletins, how we’re going to be increasing within the Center East. Clearly we’re staging first-ever skilled international MMA occasions in Africa with the launch of PFL Africa, after which PFL Australia can even be launched.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for PFL: Battle of the Giants.