PFL 1, 2021 fight card features Anthony Pettis vs Clay Collard

NEW YORK (Feb. 23, 2021) –The Expert Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most modern athletics league, today announced its most important event and entire card matchups for its time kickoff, PFL 1, getting location on April 23.

Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis, one of the most enjoyable fighters of all-time and previous UFC light-weight winner will make his PFL debut in opposition to two-activity star and knockout expert Clay Collard in the most important celebration. The two explosive strikers, Pettis, ideal remembered for the “Showtime Kick” and Collard, the boxing phenom known as “The Snatcher” for knocking out unbeaten opponents, will face off in an unforgettable matchup.

The co-most important party includes two-time PFL light-weight winner Natan Schulte who will get started his mission for a 3-peat from Polish leg-lock professional Marcin Held. Schulte has been a pressure due to the fact the PFL released with an undefeated report around two seasons. Held created his key display debut at just 19 several years old and brings a wealth of practical experience to the cage as he appears to be like to make a title for himself in his first PFL function.

Two-time PFL featherweight winner Lance Palmer will open the main card when he usually takes on his former wrestling nemesis, Bubba Jenkins. Palmer hasn’t missing in the PFL en route to two million-dollar checks, but he faces Jenkins who defeat him on additional than a single event in collegiate wrestling. Palmer has been a person of the most dominant featherweights in the globe and is prepared for all worries that will support cement him as one particular of the finest 145-pound fighters the sport has viewed.

Rounding out the principal card, Movlid Khaybulaev will sq. off with undefeated newcomer Jason Soares. Khabulaev became a viral media sensation right after his 10-next traveling knee knockout of Damon Jackson in his PFL debut in 2019. He will experience Soares, a submission professional who has completed 12 of his 14 victories, nine of them by submission.

“The PFL’s time kickoff on April 23 is one that is positive to be a showstopper and comprehensive of nonstop motion,” said PFL CEO, Peter Murray. “The expertise that exists within just these matchups is unparalleled and we cannot hold out to see the final result of each struggle. The PFL is very pleased to kick off its period on ESPN and ESPN+ and we are enthusiastic for our lovers, aged and new, about the planet to practical experience high quality MMA content material.”

“As a fighter-initial business, we get good pride in the matchups and excellent talent of our fighters,” claimed PFL President of Fighter Functions, Ray Sefo. “I’m fired up to kick off the season on April 23 with our featherweight and lightweight division matchups which are comprehensive of amazing talent.”The 2021 PFL Year will start April 23 on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in primetime. The remaining Frequent Year activities will take position on April 29, May perhaps 6, June 10, June 17, and June 25.

Specialist Fighters League has rapidly recognized itself as the No. 2 MMA business in the entire world. The league has seasoned remarkable YoY progress across digital channels – 68% follower raise on Instagram, 30% full audience expansion across electronic and a 200% social engagement spike. Domestic linear viewing viewers was up 43% in 2019, and the Championship on New Year’s Eve surpassed 500,000 viewers, a 65% YoY improve.