The Global Fight League (GFL) made something of a splash with its draft earlier this year, and despite some technical glitches and questions about the promotion’s format, it appears everything is a go for a pair of back-to-back cards in Los Angeles, CA that will launch the league this May.
GFL 1 and GFL 2 will take place on May 24 and 25, 2025 at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. As noted by MMA Junkie and other outlets, full line-ups now appear on MMA database Tapology, listing a bevvy of match-ups featuring significant names. While those fights have not been confirmed as of yet by the GFL (outside a couple of individual bouts), promotion officials have confirmed to Cageside Press that the date and location of both events is accurate.
A formal announcement of the GFL’s debut shows is expected next week.
As it stands, names like Urijah Faber, Tony Ferguson, and Holly Holm are set to be involved. Should all go according to plan, the double-header will almost certainly be the most stacked promotional launch in MMA in years.
In additional news, GFL officials revealed to Cageside Press that former UFC light heavyweight champion and PRIDE legend Mauricio “Shogun” Rua has been released from his contract. Shogun had been announced for a fight with Yoel Romero, only for Romero to recently reveal that the Brazilian had been forced out due to injury. Per the league, Shogun could be brought back later in the season to replace and injured or suspended fighter. For now, he’s no longer under contract.
In the meantime, the replacement bout Romero had touted, which had “The Soldier of God” taking on Gegard Mousasi, is not official as of yet. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen, but the league does not appear ready to announce it in any case.
As for the fights that are moving forward, per the Tapology listing at least, Urijah Faber’s rematch with Renan Barao looks to feature. Age aside, that fight makes all the sense in the world, especially on the west coast. Anthony Pettis meets Benson Henderson once again, while former UFC champ Holly Holm meets ex-Bellator champ Julia Budd. Those are part of GFL 1. GFL 2 sees Tony Ferguson meet Dillon Danis (assuming Danis shows up, and with a boxing match against KSI falling through due to an illness to the social media figure, he has no reason not to), while Paige VanZant gets Randi Field, and Alexander Gustafsson meets Ovince St. Preux.
