This year has seen the newest entry into the always expanding MMA Organisation industry, the GFL founded by Darren Owen.
The Global Fight League has been all over MMA media coverage in recent weeks particularly with their draft and teams. With it being in a similar vein to the NFL it is drawing eyes as it is so different to anything we have seen in the MMA scene. However, UFC President Dana White is not concerned. White has always had a hard stand on competitors in the combat sports world and believes no one can compete with the UFC.
The GFL has recruited a plethora of ex UFC fighters/champions and created teams from all corners of the globe. Money is one of the driving factors as always and the GFL seem to be splashing the cash on these former stars. We are yet to see any broadcast deal for the GFL as they plan to launch in April so fans are speculating on what the final product may look like. Global Fight League founder Darren Owen revealed the scheduling plans to not go head to head with the UFC which appears wise and alternatively will look to broadcast on Sundays and Mondays.
Dana White Speaks on GFL
At the Power Slap post match press conference White answered media with a few questions on his opinion on the rapid emergence of the GFL.
“No, I don’t think [GFL is] blowing smoke. I think these guys are blowing real cash. These guys are throwing a lot of money around. I love it.” Following this he stated that the company is “Good for the fighters. It’s good for them. I don’t know anything about his business plan or what the deal is, but no, I don’t consider any combat sports my competition.” He concluded with “My competition is the NFL, college football, soccer, big movies that come out on Saturday.” Quotes from MMAFighting.
Organisations like Bellator and the PFL have combined in previous years and they have not been able to hold a candle to the success of the UFC. Therefore the quotes from White that appear dismissive are not without their substance. It would take a mighty effort from multiple organisations and many people with deep pockets to topple the juggernaut that is the UFC. Smaller organisations like Cage Warriors, KSW and Brave have an excellent place in the sport for growing talent globally but it will always be the end goal for fighters to be the UFC Champion.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
