As the UFC gears up for its return to Mexico City, fans around the globe are buzzing with anticipation for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2. Slated for February 24, 2024, at the electrifying Arena CDMX, this event promises to deliver a night of intense action and unforgettable matchups, live on ESPN+. Here are the details on UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2. Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval II In a highly anticipated rematch, the main event features flyweight titans Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval squaring off for the second time. Moreno, known for his dynamic striking and formidable ground game, looks to assert his dominance in the flyweight division once more. Royval, on the other hand, brings his own blend of aggressive submissions and relentless pace, aiming to even the score and climb the ranks. This bout is a must-watch for any MMA fan, promising a clash of styles and wills. Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega II The co-main event brings another thrilling rematch as featherweight standouts Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega face off. Rodriguez, with his spectacular striking arsenal and Ortega, renowned for his jiu-jitsu mastery, guarantee a high-stakes fight that could end anywhere, anytime. Fans can expect a strategic battle as both fighters aim to leverage their strengths and secure a decisive victory. Main Card Highlights Lightweight Bout: Daniel Zellhuber vs. Francisco Prado Rising stars Zellhuber and Prado go head-to-head in what promises to be a striking masterclass. Both fighters are known for their knockout power and will undoubtedly seek to make a statement. Bantamweight Bout: Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios The young phenom Rosas Jr. takes on the experienced Turcios in a bout that pits youth versus experience, with both fighters known for their well-rounded skill sets. Strawweight Bout: Yazmin Jauregui vs. Sam Hughes In the women's strawweight division, Jauregui and Hughes will battle it out. Both fighters bring a mix of striking and grappling, promising a competitive matchup. Lightweight Bout: Manuel Torres vs. Chris Duncan Torres and Duncan are set to showcase their lightweight prowess. With both fighters looking to climb the lightweight ladder, expect fireworks. Preliminary Card Notables The preliminary card is stacked with talent across multiple divisions. Highlights include Cristian Quiñonez vs. Raoni Barcelos in a bantamweight clash, the flyweight battle between Jesus Aguilar and Mateus Mendonça, and the lightweight showdown featuring Claudio Puelles against Fares Ziam. Each bout offers a unique blend of styles and potential for standout performances. Full Fight Card and Telecast Details Main Event:   Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval II Co-Main Event:   Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega II Main Card: Daniel Zellhuber vs. Francisco Prado Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Ricky Turcios Yazmin Jauregui vs. Sam Hughes Manuel Torres vs. Chris Duncan Prelims: Cristian Quiñonez vs. Raoni Barcelos Jesus Aguilar vs. Mateus Mendonça Edgar Cháirez vs. Daniel Lacerda Claudio Puelles vs. Fares Ziam Luis Rodríguez vs. Denys Bondar Victor Altamirano vs. Felipe dos Santos Muhammad Naimov vs. Erik Silva Catch all the action live on ESPN+ with the main card starting at 10 PM EST and preliminaries at 7 PM EST. Prepare for a night of exhilarating matchups and the pure spectacle that only the UFC can deliver.

BRAVE CF continues to expand into Europe, after the announcement of the European tour and will look to reach to 16 European nations visited by the end of 2024 Mayor of Burgas Dimitar Nikolov, president Mohammed Shahid discuss possible BRAVE CF show in the city BRAVE Combat Federation continues to expand into Europe, with Bulgaria touted as a possible future host for a mega event of the most global MMA organization in the world. BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid visited Burgas, Bulgaria, at the invitation of mayor Dimitar Nikolov, as the city looks to become the latest home of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts organization in the world.   During the official visit, Mr. Shahid and Mr. Nikolov discussed potential collaboration in the fields of sports, tourism, and business, and Mr. Nikolov also treated the BRAVE CF delegation to a tour of the city’s sports and infrastructure facilities, with the view to hosting a BRAVE CF show in the future. Mr. Nikolov explained the city was ready to host BRAVE CF in the European summer, and is eager to have joint cooperation to make the show happen.  Burgas is one of the top cities in Bulgaria, and has been credited with hosting K1 events in the past, as MMA and BRAVE CF could bring a new era of sporting structure and development for the city and the country of Bulgaria. Bulgaria could soon join 13 other European countries which have hosted a BRAVE CF show in the past, with the number set to increase to 15 in 2024.  The organization has confirmed six events in five nations in Europe, with Slovenia, Netherlands, Croatia, Germany, and France all to be featured. Out of those, there will be debut shows in the Netherlands and Croatia, with Bulgaria potentially added to the list.

Despite previously stating he would retire if defeated in his last match, former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo is not ready to leave the world of mixed martial arts behind. In the buildup to UFC 298, Cejudo faced off against Merab Dvalishvili and suffered a unanimous decision loss. This outcome led him to reassess his future in the sport, ultimately deciding against retirement. Cejudo, who has experienced retirement once before after triumphing over Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 in 2020, voiced his determination to continue fighting. "I got to sh*t where I sleep," Cejudo explained in a candid video posted to his YouTube channel, expressing his unwillingness to end his career on a low note. He addressed his fans, family, friends, and critics, stating, "It is far from over with the ‘Triple C.'" This recent defeat marks Cejudo's second consecutive loss, a situation he has encountered once before in his career. However, Cejudo is no stranger to comebacks, having previously embarked on a remarkable winning streak following back-to-back losses early in his career. He reflected on his achievements and the unique path he has carved in combat sports, despite the mixed reactions from the public. Cejudo also shared his challenges in preparing for the fight against Dvalishvili, including a potential injury to his left forearm. Despite these setbacks, he remains focused on returning to the win column and exploring opportunities both within and outside of the bantamweight division.

Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader collide in the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions Heavyweight Main Event Impa Kasanganay and Johnny Eblen meet in the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions Co-Main Event PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions takes place tomorrow, February 24th on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN PPV with the Early Card beginning at 12:00 PM ET The Professional Fighters League (PFL), kicks 2024 off with the biggest MMA event of the year, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions. The card will feature a pair of champion-versus-champion headlining bouts, as well as some of the biggest names in combat sports going head to head inside the PFL SmartCage.  In the main event, heavyweight titleholders face off, as 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion   Renan “Problema” Ferreira  meets Bellator Heavyweight Champion  Ryan “Darth” Bader . Ferreira, who’s coming off his first championship campaign in the PFL, weighed in at 263.2-pounds. Bader, meanwhile, has held the Bellator title since 2019 and weighed in at 231.1-pounds. In a champion-versus-champion co-main event, 2023 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion  Impa “Tshilobo” Kasanganay  drops back down to the middleweight division to take on Bellator Middleweight Champion  Johnny Eblen . Kasanganay, who captured PFL gold in his first season, weighed in at 185.8-pounds. Eblen, meanwhile, weighed in at 185.5-pounds as he looks to remain undefeated in his career.  Two of the world’s best welterweights meet in a catchweight bout, as two-time PFL Champion  Ray Cooper III  meets reigning Bellator Welterweight Champion  Jason Jackson . Cooper III weighed in at 182.4-pounds, while Jackson weighed in at 182-pounds. In a clash of heavy-handed heavyweight kings, former PFL Heavyweight Champion  Bruno Cappelozza  meets Bellator’s  Vadim Nemkov . Cappelozza weighed in at 236.2-pounds, while Nemkov weighed in at 238.1-pounds.  In other action, a pair of 205-pounders meet, as top PFL contender  Thiago “Maretta” Santos  meets top Bellator contender  Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero . Santos weighed in at 205.2-pounds, while Romero weighed in at 205-pounds. Kicking off the PFL Champions versus Bellator Champions card, two of the lightweight divisions’ elite go head to head, as 2023 PFL Runner-Up  “Cassius” Clay Collard  takes on former Bellator Lightweight Champion  AJ “Mercenary” McKee . Collard weighed in at 155.5-pounds, while McKee weighed in at 154.8-pounds.  OFFICIAL PFL CHAMPIONS VS. BELLATOR CHAMPIONS WEIGH-IN RESULTS  PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions Card - 3 pm ET Heavyweight: Renan Ferreira 263.2 lbs vs. Ryan Bader 231.1 lbs Middleweight Impa Kasanganay 185.8 lbs vs. Johnny Eblen 185.5 lbs  Catchweight (182 lbs) Ray Cooper III 182.4 lbs vs. Jason Jackson 182 lbs   Heavyweight Bruno Cappelozza 236.2 lbs vs. Vadim Nemkov 238.1 lbs  Light Heavyweight Thiago Santos 205.2 lbs vs. Yoel Romero 205 lbs Lightweight Clay Collard 155.5 lbs vs. AJ McKee 154.8 lbs  Early Card: 12PM ET Lightweight: Henry Corrales 155.7 lbs. Vs. Aaron Pico: 155.7 Lightweight Biaggio Ali Walsh 155.4 lbs vs. Emmanuel Palacio 152.6 lbs  Women’s Catchweight (165 lbs) Claressa Shields 164.4 lbs vs. Kelsey DeSantis 164.6 lbs  Featherweight Abdullah Al-Qahtani 146 lbs vs. Edukondal Rao 145.7 lbs  Amateur Catchweight (129 lbs) Malik Basahel 124.9 lbs vs. Vinicius Pereira** 129.2 lbs * * Vinicius Pereira missed weight. The bout will now be contested at a 129 lbs catchweight.

ONE Championship kept Lumpinee Boxing Stadium rocking with ONE Friday Fights 53 . The event featured 13 fantastic martial arts bouts. In the main event, Kongsuk Fairtex edged past Petsukumvit Boi Bangna by unanimous decision. The three-round contest put the 23-year-old back in the win column and on track to make noise in the flyweight division. The co-main event was also nine minutes of adrenaline. Mongkolkaew Sor Sommai picked up the unanimous decision win over Denkriangkrai Singha Mawynn in their 130-pound catchweight contest. In what proved to be the people’s main event, Brazil Aekmuangnon and Chalie Singha Mawynn threw down at breakneck speed in their strawweight encounter. Although Chalie started to come alive deep in the match, Brazil did enough to warrant the unanimous decision win. Deniz Demirkapu needed just a second less than a full minute to dispatch of Buakhiao Por Paoin in their 138-pound catchweight contest. The Turkish-Moroccan put the Thai athlete away with a crippling body shot for the evening’s first knockout finish. The finishes kept piling up from that point forward. Huo Xiaolong picked up a second-round KO over Majid Karimi, Mahesuan Aekmuangnon closed the bout before the final bell by TKO against Pet Fairtex, and Sunday Boomdeksean ousted Petchainart Sitkumnunneng by KO in the second round. In MMA action, Nachyn Sat picked up a slick first-round triangle choke submission win over Tural Askarov. The win moved Sat to 2-0 in ONE as he took another step closer to jumping up in the featherweight division. Check out the full results from ONE Friday Fights 53. You can relive the action on-demand via ONE’s official YouTube channel . ONE Friday Fights 53 Full Results Kongsuk Fairtex def. Petsukumvit Boi Bangna by unanimous decision Mongkolkaew Sor Sommai def. Denkriangkrai Singha Mawynn by unanimous decision Brazil Aekmuangnon def. Chalie Singha Mawynn by unanimous decision Sunday Boomdeksean def. Petchainart Sitkumnunneng by KO at 0:59 of the second round Payakkiri Misakawan def. Ganchai Jitmuangnon by split decision Mahesuan Aekmuangnon def. Pet Fairtex by TKO at 2:30 of the third round Huo Xiaolong def. Majid Karimi by KO at 2:30 of the second round Deniz Demirkapu def. Buakhiao Por Paoin by KO at 0:59 of the first round Samingdam Looksuan def. Seksan Fairtex by unanimous decision Chayan Oorzhak def. /Babar Ali by unanimous decision Nachyn Sat def. Tural Askarov via submission (triangle choke) at 3:51 of the first round Worapon Sor Dechapan def. Hiroki Kasahara by unanimous decision BM Fairtex def. Masatoshi Hirai by unanimous decision

In 1968, New York City was the stage for the International Convention of Martial Artists, attracting masters and influencers from around the world. One notable participant was Ronald Duncan, whose groundbreaking demonstration of ninjutsu techniques captivated the audience, establishing him as the Father of American Ninjutsu. Born in Panama in 1938, Professor Duncan gained recognition for his ninjutsu skills. In 1956, Duncan made waves by opening his first martial arts school in New York, where he introduced Ninjitsu to the American scene.  Despite acknowledgment from the Japanese government, he faced exclusion from Black Belt Magazine for several years due to a disagreement with the editor. However, he was later recognized as a martial arts pioneer by the publication. His unwavering commitment to pioneering its teachings solidified his place in history. Alongside Stephen K. Hayes and Masaaki Hatsumi, Duncan played a key role in popularizing Ninjutsu from the 1970s to the 1990s, culminating in their joint participation at the prestigious 1987 Ninja Summit. Duncan's martial arts expertise was vast, including proficiency in various disciplines such as Judo, Hakko Ryu Jujitsu, Dai-Nippon Jujitsu Ryu, and more. His global fame skyrocketed with appearances on ABC's Wide World of Sports in the Oriental World of Self Defense Live from Madison Square Garden, hosted by Aaron Banks. Renowned for his mastery of Ninjutsu, Duncan possessed skills in knife throwing, firearms, and stealth techniques. Combining these abilities with his composed demeanor, he pioneered the Way of the Wind Fighting System, reflecting his innovative ethos and commitment to self-defense. As a teacher, Duncan influenced notable figures like Ron Van Clief, who credited him as a significant mentor who shaped his path to becoming a Hall of Fame film star and champion. Today his legacy lives on with his son Gregory, who carries onon the family tradition with the Way of the Winds School of Self-Defense in New York.

While A-listers will continue to be used in top action franchises, it’s been exciting to witness a new generation of action stars emerging in the last few years. Several of these rising stars have practiced martial arts since childhood, others have honed their skills on set, and some even come from martial arts legacies. Here is our list of Action Stars: The Next Generation. Mackenyu Mackenyu might be the international go-to action star of the era. Which is fitting for the son of icon Sonny Chiba. Last year alone he played three major characters in live-action anime movies and series. He played Scar in “Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar,” Pegasus Seiya in “Knights of the Zodiac,” and Roronoa Zoro in “One Piece.” Mackenyu, born in 1996, in Los Angeles, is the son of the versatile actor, producer, director, and martial artist Shin'ichi (Sonny) Chiba. Mackenyu gained prominence in the entertainment industry with his portrayal of Wataya Arata in the “Chihayafuru” trilogy (2016), earning him the 40th Annual Japan Academy Newcomer of the Year Award in 2017. His career soared further with notable roles like Cadet Ryoichi in the feature “Pacific Rim: Uprising” (2018) and his lead performance in the racing action film “Over Drive” (2018). Xolo Maridueña From “Cobrai Kai” to a DC Comic book hero, Xolo is well on his way to become this generation’s action star. After sharpening his martial arts abilities on Cobra Kai, where he debuted at the age of 16 as a promising karate champion, Maridueña (now 22) ventured into the superhero realm earlier this year with “Blue Beetle.” It showcased its youthful lead as a burgeoning action hero fully equipped to headline major films. Mason Lee Mason Lee has two legacies to impress next: His father’s and Bruce Lee’s! Ang Lee found the ideal candidate for the pivotal role in his forthcoming Bruce Lee biopic close to home, selecting his own son, Mason Lee, aged 33, for what promises to be a defining portrayal of the martial arts icon. While the official announcement came only in late 2022, it appears that Mason, known for his roles in films such as “The Hangover Part II,” “Lucy, “ his father's “Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk,” and the Chinese mystery fantasy “Legend of Demon Cat,” had been aware of the opportunity for some time. Reports indicate that he dedicated the past five years to rigorous training to master Bruce Lee's distinctive martial arts style. While some may raise concerns of nepotism, producer Steven Weintraub described Mason as "the spitting image" of Bruce Lee in a recent interview. Maxwell Jacob Friedman It appears as if wrestling star Maxwell Jacob Friedman is hoping to follow in the footsteps of icons like Dwayne Johnson, John Cena, and Dave Bautista as he branches out into cinema. At 27, Friedman, better known as MJF, the reigning All Elite Wrestling champion renowned for his naturally villainous yet consistently captivating persona, has garnered a strong fan following as the self-proclaimed "People's Scumbag." He appears poised to follow in their footsteps, with his upcoming role opposite Zac Efron in A24's wrestling drama “The Iron Claw” suggesting a potential transition into the realm of Hollywood stardom. Jessica Henwick Jessica Henwick is popping up everywhere. W hile Marvel series "Iron Fist" and "The Defenders" may not have left a significant imprint on the superhero genre, they did shine a spotlight on newcomer Henwick as a formidable and impressive fighter. At 31, the British actress, who had previously appeared in "Game of Thrones" and "Star Wars" (originally auditioning for Rey), garnered praise for her role in "The Matrix Resurrections," with many considering her the standout performance. Last year, she featured in both "The Grey Man" (albeit confined to a control room) and "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (portraying Kate Hudson's assistant). It seems inevitable that her talent will soon lead to a breakout role that propels her into household name status. Andrew Koji A true action-based actor! The sweeping martial arts saga "Warrior," originally airing on Cinemax before transitioning to Max for its third season, propelled British actor Andrew Koji, aged 35, from the realm of film stunt doubling to becoming a prominent figure in television action. Possessing both the charisma and skill to complement his exceptional fighting abilities, Koji has secured notable roles in films such as "Snake Eyes" and "Bullet Train," with an appearance slated in the upcoming action comedy "Boy Kills World." "However, it's evident that he deserves to be the focal point of his own action-packed blockbuster," remarks Singh. "One can only hope that Chad Stahelski is taking note for his forthcoming adaptation of 'Ghost of Tsushima.'" Jun Jong-seo Lee Chang-dong's Korean mystery film "Burning," which premiered at Cannes in 2018, catapulted Jong-seo into the spotlight, showcasing her immense talent from her very first audition. Recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of its international breakout stars of the year, Jong-seo proved the forecasts right by quickly adding notable projects to her repertoire. At 29, she expanded her portfolio with roles in the psychological thriller "The Call," the Korean adaptation of "Money Heist," and her debut English-language film, "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon." However, it was her titular role in Netflix's 2023 action-thriller "Ballerina" that truly highlighted her prowess in action genres. Playing a revenge-driven former VIP bodyguard on a mission to eliminate a notorious sex trafficker, her portrayal as a "cold-as-ice angel of vengeance" earned widespread acclaim, with critics drawing comparisons to a "female version of John Wick." Interestingly, "Ballerina" shares its name with the Ana de Armas-led spin-off from the "John Wick" franchise. Amber Midthunder She tore it up in the “Predator” prequel, “Prey,” which was released on Hulu in late 2022. At the heart of the critically acclaimed film (which revived the dying brand) is Midthunder, aged 26, portraying a young Native American woman who not only navigates encounters with bears and outwits trappers but also demonstrates that one doesn't need to be a towering Austrian figure (or wield a machine gun) to confront the deadliest hunter in the galaxy. Since then, Midthunder has secured roles in Nicolas Cage's highly anticipated “Dream Scenario” and the forthcoming live-action TV adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

SAG Awards Highlight Martial Arts with 2024 Stunt Ensemble Nominations The 30th SAG awards take place on February 24. Black Belt Magazine would like to salute and honor the hard working Stunt Ensemble nominees who bring action to the screen and make the hero’s shine with the intricate fight sequences and martial arts stylizations.  From the Motion Picture Category: the work done on  John Wick: Chapter 4  and Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part One  were standouts featuring groundbreaking fight scenes.  John Wick: Chapter 4  Steven Dunlevy, Stunt Coordinator  Mission: Impossible  Dead Reckoning Part One Wade Eastwoord, Stunt Coordinator  From the Television Series Category :  Ahsoka  and The Mandalorian made use of stellar acting talent to choreograph trailblazing fight and stunt scenes.  Ahsoka JJ Dashnaw and Ming Qiu, Stunt Coordinator  The Mandalorian Ryan Watson, Stunt Coordinator The 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The two-hour ceremony will stream live on Netflix at 8p.m. (ET) / 5p.m. (PT) from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall.

Film action and Martial Arts icon Cynthia Rothrock is set to broaden the scope of her forthcoming movie, "Black Creek," by introducing an accompanying graphic novel through a crowd-funded IndieGoGo campaign at BlackCreekGraphicNovel.com . Taking on the roles of producer, lead actor, and co-scriptwriter, Rothrock is eager to present this dark, western martial arts epic to audiences both in cinemas and as a graphic novel. The comic will adapt the film's plot, focusing on a formidable female gunslinger on a quest for vengeance against the merciless villain who decimated her family. Rothrock assures that the graphic novel will not only retell the movie's story but also surprise readers with new twists and deeper narrative layers. Rothrock shares her excitement about the adaptation, saying, "Seeing 'Black Creek' evolve into a graphic novel is a dream come true. This venture is very close to my heart, and I'm excited for fans to engage with it in a novel format." She appreciates the fanbase's role in transitioning the tale from screen to print, highlighting their passion and commitment. Furthermore, Rothrock is excited about offering fans a unique chance to join the 'Black Creek' universe. Through the IndieGoGo campaign, supporters can become part of the graphic novel's narrative, with opportunities to appear in the story or even on the cover alongside Rothrock, providing a unique way to immortalize them within this exciting saga. To realize the graphic novel, Rothrock has teamed up with Marlin Shoop, an experienced illustrator known for his significant contributions to comics and entertainment. Shoop's talent for bringing stories to life makes him a perfect match for the project. Rothrock's collaboration also extends to Robert Clancy, the film's co-producer and writer, recognized for his innovative digital marketing strategies in notable projects like Guitar Hero III, Disney’s Spectrobes, and Activision’s Skylanders Swap Force. Supported by its fans, the "Black Creek" graphic novel is poised to be a captivating extension of its cinematic counterpart. Rothrock aims to deepen the narrative experience, offering fans an immersive dive into the 'Black Creek' world and its intriguing characters. With growing enthusiasm for the IndieGoGo campaign, the project is set to enhance Rothrock’s reputation as a dynamic force in entertainment, production, and storytelling.

Brian Ortega's journey in the UFC featherweight division has been a testament to resilience and unyielding spirit. After facing setbacks, including a significant loss to Max Holloway in December 2018 and a shoulder injury in July 2022, Ortega is poised to return to the Octagon with renewed vigor. His comeback is set for Mexico City, where he aims to redeem himself against Yair Rodriguez in a five-round co-main event at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval. This fight not only marks Ortega's return but also his determination to climb back into title contention. Ortega's path has been fraught with challenges, from overcoming the mental and physical toll of injuries to maintaining his top-tier status despite periods of inactivity. Yet, his commitment to the sport and his warrior ethos have never wavered. Known for his dynamic fighting style and exceptional Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, Ortega has consistently delivered thrilling performances, earning him a reputation as an all-action fighter. As he steps back into the ring, Ortega is not just fighting for a win but for a chance to reestablish himself as a contender for the featherweight title. The division has seen a recent shake-up with Ilia Topuria's victory over Alexander Volkanovski, presenting new opportunities for fighters like Ortega. A victory in Mexico City could pave the way for Ortega to challenge for the championship, fulfilling his long-held aspirations. Ortega's upcoming battle against Rodriguez is more than a fight; it's a symbol of his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of greatness. With both fighters looking to prove their mettle, this encounter promises to answer lingering questions and potentially set the stage for the next chapter in the featherweight division's evolving narrative. As Ortega prepares to face adversity head-on, his story serves as a reminder of the warrior's path: fraught with obstacles but driven by the unwavering resolve to triumph and achieve glory in the face of adversity.

PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions February 24th, live on DAZN and ESPN+ PPV Ngannou currently set to face former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in the boxing ring on March 8th live on DAZN The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league, today announced combat sports superstar Francis “The Predator” Ngannou will make his PFL debut against the winner of the Heavyweight Superfight between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader.  Francis Ngannou shook up the combat sports world by signing with PFL in May, becoming the first active fighter to serve on PFL’s Global Advisory Board and an equity owner and Chairman of the coming PFL Africa regional league. Ngannou recently stepped into the boxing ring for the first time ever, losing a razor-thin split decision to Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion. Ngannou is currently in Riyadh, training to fight top heavyweight boxing contender Anthony Joshua.  Ngannou will turn his attention back to MMA, where he will make his PFL SmartCage debut against the winner of the Heavyweight Superfight between 2023 PFL Heavyweight Champion Renan “Problema” Ferreira and Bellator Heavyweight Champion Ryan “Darth” Bader. Ferreira and Bader will main event the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions pay-per-view, taking place this Saturday, February 24th, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  “The PFL is excited to announce Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA in the PFL PPV Division will be against the winner of the PFL Champion vs Bellator Champion Heavyweight Superfight between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO.” Francis is a true combat sports icon with a global fan base and appeal. We, along with the rest of the MMA world, will be watching to see who his first opponent will be, Ferreira or Bader.”  Ngannou will also be in attendance at the historic event in Riyadh.  Currently, Ngannou is preparing for his second professional boxing bout, wherein he will take on former two-time unified world heavyweight champion and world number two-ranked heavyweight Anthony Joshua on March 8th live on DAZN.

PFL Global Regular Season and Bellator Champions Series live events and on-demand video content available The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced a multi-year partnership with TV Nova, a leading media company in central Europe, to serve as the exclusive PFL media partner in the Czech Republic and Slovakia throughout 2024-2025. The deal features exclusive programming including the 2024 PFL Global Regular Season and 2024 Bellator Champions Series, along with on-demand repeats and highlight content. “The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce our partnership with TV Nova and bring the best MMA action to fans in the Czech Republic and Slovakia,” said PFL SVP of International, James Frewin. “As the PFL continues to ascend as a global MMA leader, we are proud to serve fans across these regions with must-see action from our world-class fighters.” PFL is the only organization in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.