The next phase in what has been a busy start to 2025 for the PFL was revealed this week. January saw the announcment of an overhaul of the organization's global tournament, with new weight classes added alonsgide a restructuring of the prize money on offer to the winners.
In the same month, the promotion's Road to Dubai: Champions Series, which was headlined by an early fight-of-the-year contender as Usman Nurmagomedov outpointed Paul Hughes, was a roaring success.
And in a press release today the PFL has confirmed the firts four dates and location for the opening round of the 2025 global tournament.
The press release reads: "The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is excited to announce the first four dates of the highly anticipated 2025 PFL World Tournament, set to take place on the backlot of Universal Studios Florida in Orlando, FL on April 3, April 11, April 18, and May 1.
"Fans can secure tickets to these exclusive events beginning Wednesday, February 19 at 10 am ET on Eventbrite.com. Tickets range from $25 to $125, with limited VIP packages starting at $250.
"The 2025 PFL World Tournament will air live on ESPN platforms in the U.S. In Canada and across Europe, fans can catch the action live on DAZN, while globally, the tournament will be streamed in 190 countries through 20 premium media partners.
"One Shot. The annual single-elimination tournament will feature brackets at Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, and Women’s Flyweight. The PFL World Tournament spans an action packed five months. 64 of the best fighters from around the world will compete to win MMA’s toughest test - win three straight times in five months to become PFL Tournament Champion.
"The First Round fights and the Semi-Final fights will be three, five-minute rounds while the Finals are five, five-minute rounds. All events and all fights now allow the use of elbows. The PFL World Tournament will payout over $20 million in total prize money, including a $500,000 bonus for every winner.
"A full roster and additional tournament dates and locations will be announced shortly.
April 3, 2025, Universal Studios Florida, Stage 19 - Main Card airs live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 pm ET
April 11, 2025, Universal Studios Florida, Stage 19 - Main Card airs live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 11:30 pm ET
April 18, 2025, Universal Studios Florida, Stage 19 - Main Card airs live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 7 pm ET
May 1, 2025, Universal Studios Florida, Stage 19 - Main Card airs live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 pm ET"
