Global Fight League (GFL) today revealed the six host cities for its 2025 season, along with the Team Managers and Coaches for each location. In addition, a new crop of fighters has been added to the upcoming draft, which airs live on Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. ET. The inaugural GFL cities and their leadership teams “represent a convergence of MMA’s past, present, and future,” according to the official press release.
Los Angeles: Known as a hub and home for world-class gyms and athletes, this city will be led by Manager Wanderlei Silva and Coach Rafael Cordeiro, a legendary duo synonymous with Brazilian MMA excellence.
New York: Home to the most sports fans in the world, New York embodies history and grit. Led by legendary Coach Ray Longo, renowned for training champions, the team’s manager will be announced soon.
Miami: Where cultural vibrancy meets fight tradition, Miami thrives under Manager Thiago Alves and Coach Conan Silveira, icons of Brazilian and American MMA with roots in the legendary American Top Team.
São Paulo: São Paulo embodies the rich heritage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo—the very foundations of modern MMA—guided by former champion Manager Lyoto Machida and legendary Coach André Pederneiras, who has shaped many of the sport’s most iconic athletes.
London: Europe’s combat sports capital, London combines tradition and innovation under the leadership of Manager Luke Barnatt and Coach Carl Prince, who bring local and international expertise.
Dubai: The rising fight capital of the world, Dubai brings global prestige to the league with Manager Cain Velasquez and Coach Javier Mendez, two legends with a proven track record of creating champions.
Joining the upcoming draft are the following UFC and Bellator MMA veterans:
Mauricio Rua
Yoel Romero
Chad Mendes
Renan Barao
Douglas Lima
Ovince Saint Preux
Todd Duffee
“This league is built on respect for the sport’s history and a vision for its future,” said Darren Owen, GFL Commissioner. “Our cities, managers, and coaches reflect the very best of MMA, and our draft will kick off an unforgettable first season.”
I hope he’s setting up the lights or something cause he’s been shitty for almost 20 years.
En Fuego2
Murilo Ninja coming over aswell?
why knot party
The fledgling Global Fight League continued to get its business in order Thursday with several important announcements.
Last month, the GFL, headed by co-founder Darren Owen, announced plans for its official launch this year, with the concept of team-based mixed martial arts at the forefront.
The GFL will feature six teams from six cities competing in a league format that includes playoffs. As part of its initial announcement, the GFL said it had signed a plethora of big-name fighters – chalk full of former UFC champions and legends of the sport – ahead of a scheduled Jan. 24 draft date. The GFL hopes to put on its first event in April.
On Thursday, the promotion announced new draft entrees, team locations, as well as team managers and coaches.
Who are the new GFL draft entrees?
The GFL confirmed that Renan Barao, Todd Duffee, Douglas Lima, Chad Mendes, Yoel Romero, Mauricio Rua, and Ovince Saint Preux will enter the draft.
The GFL’s announcement also teased that “additional athletes will be revealed in the days leading up to the draft.”
Where will the GFL teams be located?
Dubai, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Sao Paulo will serve as the homebase for the GFL’s six teams.
Who will manage and coach the GFL teams?
The coaches and managers for the six GFL teams will be as follows:
- Dubai – Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, who awaits sentencing after pleading no contest to an attempted murder charge in California, will be manager, with American Kickboxing Academy’s Javier Mendez serving as coach.
- London – Six-fight UFC veteran Luke Barnatt will manager, while Manchester Top Team’s Carl Prince will coach.
- Los Angeles – UFC Hall of Famer Wanderlei Silva will be the manager for the L.A. team, with famed coach Rafael Cordeiro.
- Miami – The American Top Team duo of Thiago Alves (manager) and Conan Silveira (coach) will lead the way for Miami.
- New York – No manager has been determined, but Ray Longo will serve as coach.
- Sao Paulo – Former UFC champion Lyoto Machida (manager) and legendary coach Andre Pederneiras (coach) will head the Brazilian squad.
What is this league? Where old fighters go when they die?
A seniors league isn’t a bad idea but don’t market it like it’s a legit organization full of serious competition.
yes , several posts on GFL HERE !!!
OSP should dominate there i think he is a bit younger and probably healthier than most.
They’ve announced 150+ fighters over 6 teams so far. Who’s going to pay them? And if you aren’t drafted are you just SOL, too bad?
this
Still seems a little young for the Geriatric Fight League!
