Much like other combat sports promotions, the Professional Fighters League will set up shop in a bubble for the 2021 season.
The PFL announced on Thursday that Atlantic City will be the site for the upcoming series of events, which starts April 23 live on ESPN2.
A state-of-the-art bubble environment will be used at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Events are scheduled through June leading up to the championship finale and crowning of six million-dollar champions.
“PFL is excited to be back on ESPN to showcase our MMA 2.0 product – featuring returning champions, new star signings and next generation SmartCage technology innovation,” said PFL CEO, Peter Murray. “Our six regular season events will be staged at the world-class Ocean Casino Resort where we’ve held successful events in the past. The property has all of the necessary amenities to support our athletes in a bubble environment to ensure their safety as it relates to COVID-19.”
The health, safety, and well-being of fighters and staff as well as the integrity of the season format is paramount to the league. The PFL will work with leading health experts to ensure all necessary protocols are adhered to, including daily COVID-19 tests, mask requirements, and fighters will be kept separated in the leadup to their bouts.
The league will support its athletes with full access to training facilities and the PFL cage, as well as a variety of meal options throughout the duration of their time in Atlantic City. The PFL’s regular season bubble in Atlantic City will mark the debut of Fuji as an Official MMA Equipment Provider of the PFL. As part of the partnership agreement, the company’s products will be integrated into the PFL Training Center, PFL Training Rooms, warm up areas onsite providing best-in-class equipment to the PFL’s world-class fighters ahead of their bout.
Anthony Pettis and Clay Collard headline the first event on April 23 along with Natan Schulte facing Marcin Held and Lance Palmer battling Bubba Jenkins.