Things appear to be coming together for the Global Fight League (GFL), a new mixed martial arts promotion. The league announced plans for six cities to serve as somewhat hosts for the teams along with the draft date for the league.
Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Sao Paulo, London and Dubai will all act as inaugural GFL cities. Their leadership teams represent the past, present and future of MMA. As for getting those cities their fighters, that will take place on Friday, January 24 with a live draft.
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The draft will stream beginning at 8 p.m. EST from Phoenix, Arizona. Further details on how to watch the draft will be released in the coming days.
Coaches for the six respective cities include the likes of Wanderlei Silva, Ray Longo, Thiago Alves, Lyoto Machida, Andre Pederneiras, Carl Prince, Cain Velasquez and Javier Mendez. New additions to the draft pool include Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Yoel Romero, Douglas Lima, Chad Mendes, Renan Barao, Ovince Saint Preux and Todd Duffee.
Rua and Barao are both former UFC championships while Romero and Mendes each fought for the belt. Previously confirmed fighters on the roster include Fabricio Werdum, Junior dos Santos, Alexander Gustafsson, Gegard Mousasi and Luke Rockhold.
GFL Host Cities Provide Past, Present, Future
The inaugural GFL cities and their leadership teams represent a convergence of MMA’s past, present, and future:
- 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.
Related: GFL Roster Loaded With Former UFC Champs! Can They Compete With UFC in 2025? #globalfightleague
