PFL CEO Peter Murray: ‘We’re proving we can develop stars and recruit stars’

The PFL CEO discusses Francis Ngannou, Jake Paul, and the growth of the PFLW

Peter Murray sees endless possibilities for the PFL.

Murray, who is the PFL CEO, enjoyed a long, successful tenure as an NFL executive. He is now helping build his fight organization into a force.

“The PFL has some of the best fighters on the planet,” says Murray. “We’re proving we can develop stars and recruit stars.”

Some of their top fighters will be in action tomorrow during the semifinals of the PFL playoffs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier is only two wins away from becoming back-to-back PFL lightweight champion, and his journey continues at The Theater at Madison Square Garden against Bruno Miranda. The winner of that bout will face either Shane Burgos or Clay Collard.

The fight card airs on ESPN, an indication of the PFL’s reach. That will only be strengthened once stars like Francis Ngannou and Jake Paul make their debuts in the PFL’s SmartCage.

“Francis is the biggest signing in PFL history,” says Murray. “He’s the number-one MMA heavyweight in the world, and he opted to come to the PFL. He’s also a partner as chairman of PFL Africa. That’s part of his legacy. Francis wants to pave the way for athletes in Africa to give them the opportunity to compete against top competition. And he has a voice in our PFL Global Athlete Advisory board. Plus, he now has the flexibility to take on the sport of boxing.

“Jake is another strategic partner. He’s an advocate for athletes, and he’s very passionate about that. And we’re excited for him to make his MMA debut with us. He had an incredible performance in boxing against Nate Diaz, and he’ll now turn his attention to MMA. There is an offer on the table against Nate Diaz. We’d like to see that fight in 2024, and we hope there is more to share soon.”

Another focus of attention for Murray and his team is acquiring top female fighters. Carissa Shields signed to compete in the PFL’s Super Fight Division, and Amanda Serrano was also a key acquisition. Earlier today, boxer Savannah Marshall also committed to a multi-year deal.

“We’re very excited about PFLW and the empowerment of women in MMA,” says Murray. “Carissa Shields, Amanda Serrano, Savannah Marshall, and Kayla Harrison, one of the most dominant fighters in MMA, and more major women signings are to come in the coming weeks. PFLW stands for empowerment. It’s an equal opportunity alongside men.”

Tomorrow’s playoff semifinals also feature the welterweight playoffs, with Magomed Magomedkerimov competing against Solomon Renfro and a bout pitting Carlos Leal against Sadibou Sy. The card also includes Biaggio Ali Walsh, who is the grandson of Muhammad Ali, in a lightweight bout against Ed Davis is also on the card.

“Biaggio Ali Walsh is being patient and his team is being patient, but that kid’s a star,” says Murray. “He is an amateur fighting on a global stage, and he’s handling the pressure so well.”

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.