Urijah Faber was set to have a trilogy fight with Renan Barāo at the GFL launch, but the bout is now uncertain. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
(Chris Unger via Getty Images)
As the world feels like a gamble these days, it’s interesting to speculate on the likelihood of the GFL hosting an event.
Earlier this year, the odds might have been even on the possibility of at least one event taking place. The new promotion even held a draft, with Team Dubai selecting Tyron Woodley as the first pick.
However, as the scheduled fight dates approached, doubts began to arise. The GFL, consisting of former big names in the sport, announced the cancellation of its first set of fights just a month before they were supposed to happen in Los Angeles.
Founder Darren Owen revealed that the main investor did not fulfill their obligation, leading to complications. This setback has raised questions about the viability of the GFL.
Many fighters were looking forward to participating in the inaugural event, but now their future is uncertain. The GFL’s concept of team-based competition and the involvement of older fighters have been met with skepticism.
Several combat promotions have come and gone over the years, with financial issues often playing a significant role in their downfall. The GFL’s sudden cancellation has cast further doubt on its prospects.
While Owen remains hopeful about finding a solution, the future of the GFL remains uncertain. The involvement of older fighters and the lack of a solid financial plan have raised concerns about the promotion’s sustainability.
If the GFL manages to overcome its current challenges and deliver on its promises, it may have a chance at success. However, the odds of the GFL hosting a successful event seem increasingly slim.