Raush Manfio‘s manager has slammed the PFL over the suspension of his fighter and Natan Schulte. SuckerPunch Entertainment’s Brian Butler who represents Manfio said it was a “bad look” for the promotion.
At PFL 6 on Friday night, Schulte defeated Manfio by unanimous decision after a lackluster fight. He had seemingly clinched his spot in the 2023 tournament playoffs. Less than 12 hours after his victory, the promotion announced that both fighters would be suspended for the remainder of the season.
PFL Statement
On Saturday, the PFL press release stated: “Last night Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio did not meet the standards which all PFL fighters agree to uphold in competition. All fighters in their PFL Fight Agreements agree to use their ‘best efforts… skills and abilities as a professional athlete to compete… and defeat any opponent.'”
“It was very clear that Natan and Raush did not meet that contractual standard in yesterday’s bout. PFL immediately suspended both fighters from the season and deemed the fight to have 0 points for purposes of League standings.”
Schulte and Manfio are close friends and training partners, and were reluctant to engage with one another in the bout.
Raush Manfio’s Manager Talks Regarding Suspension
In a statement to MMAJunkie.com, Manfio’s manager Butler made his feelings on the suspension known.
“Situations like bad style matchups and lackluster fights happen in this sport all the time, but the unique thing about the PFL and the ‘tournament/point format’ is that it would sort itself out on its own in the end,” he said.
“Our client got half his pay and zero points to move forward in the tournament. This is distasteful and unnecessary.”
Due to the suspensions, Shane Burgos will now advance to the playoffs instead where he will meet Clay Collard in the lightweight semi-finals. Burgos was under the impression that he needed a finish going into his bout against Yamato Nishikawa to secure his playoff place, and just like everybody else, did not see this coming.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
