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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, has officially tapped Dan Hardy as Head of Fighter Operations of PFL Europe. As part of his new role, Hardy will play a key part in the wellbeing and development of fighters as well as identifying local talent and working closely with the global league's President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo on all matchmaking decisions. Hardy will also act as the voice of PFL Europe broadcasting, providing expert analysis and fight predictions for PFL’s first international league as it prepares for its inaugural season, beginning in Newcastle on March 25.
Hardy brings nearly two-decades of professional MMA experience to the PFL. During his illustrious career, Hardy took on some of the biggest names in the sport and recorded an incredible 25 pro wins - making him widely regarded as one of the finest mixed martial artists that Europe has ever produced. Since his retirement from competition Hardy has become one of the most respected figures in the world of MMA, renowned for his exemplary commentary and razor-sharp fight breakdowns. “I’m excited to be taking on the role as Head of Fighter Operations for PFL Europe. This will allow me to bring together the best MMA prospects from around the region, and give each of them an opportunity to establish themselves as world class talent. PFL Europe will bring stability to the opportunities available to European MMA athletes, and I’m honoured to be able to play a role in that process” says Hardy.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Dan Hardy to the Professional Fighters League as the Head of Fighter Operations for PFL Europe ahead of start of our historic inaugural season on March 25 in Newcastle. PFL Europe is the first of many regional leagues we are creating to identify and develop the next generation of MMA stars as well as grow the sport around the world. Dan’s expertise gathered from his accomplished career and his eye for talent will be invaluable as we begin this exciting chapter in our company’s history," said PFL CEO Peter Murray. PFL Europe is the PFL’s first international league and will showcase the very best MMA athletes across Europe. PFL Europe will hold quarterly events throughout 2023 beginning in Newcastle on March 25. The ground-breaking league will feature 32 of Europe’s top fighters from 14 countries competing across four weight divisions. After four events, four PFL Europe Champions will be crowned with each Champion taking home $100,000. Champions also have a chance to earn a spot on the PFL Global Roster and the $1 million global season prize.
PFL Europe General Manager Julia Boyadjieva commented, "I am delighted to welcome Dan to the Professional Fighters League as we further our commitment to revolutionizing the sport of MMA with PFL Europe. As we continue to expand and stage premium events across the continent, Dan’s vast experience will be invaluable.” The news of Dan Hardy’s appointment comes hot on the heels of the news that Proper No. Twelve will sponsor all four PFL Europe events across the UK, Germany, France and Ireland including Regular Season, Playoff and Championship. This partnership will allow Proper No. Twelve to continue its rapid rise founded in a close association with the MMA community. The partnership includes event branding, broadcast advertising, fan engagement and consumer promotions. All PFL Europe events will be aired live worldwide on DAZN and the league's international broadcast and digital partners.
PFL is the #1 fastest growing company in MMA and the #2 MMA company on a worldwide basis. PFL is the only in MMA with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year, making PFL a “win and advance” meritocracy like all other major sports. PFL fighter roster hails from over 20 countries and 25% of PFL fighters are independently ranked in the top 25 of their weight-class. The Company leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage powering real-time betting and next-gen viewing experience. PFL airs live in the U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+ and is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries with 25 leading international media partners.
