GFL founder vows to 'keep pushing forward' after event cancelations, lays out company's future

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Urijah Faber was expected to face Renan Barao in a trilogy match for the GFL's launch weekend, which is now off. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Chris Unger via Getty Images

Global Fight League (GFL) founder Darren Owen vowed to "keep pushing forward" on Wednesday following the cancelation of the debut events for the fledgling, team-based MMA organization.

In comments provided to Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani, Owen stated that GFL's "main investor didn’t fulfill his April obligation," which caused an issue that ultimately led to the cancelation of the promotion's two scheduled launch events on May 24-25. Owen stated his belief that the dates can still be postponed to June 15-16 and added that "it's been a frustrating week but I think there’s a solution in place."


Owens' full remarks can be read below.

"Working on a solution. My main investor didn’t fulfill his April obligation which has caused a problem. I’ll keep you posted but I believe we will be able work through it. I think we can make it happen for June.

"Additionally I don’t foresee the event taking place in California but we absolutely will keep pushing forward.

"I think we’re going to have to push the dates to June 15/16. I’ll confirm asap. It’s been a frustrating week but I think there’s a solution in place."

GFL's planned launch to its first season was initially expected to take place with a two-day, 31-fight lineup at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The double-header events were scheduled to feature 42 UFC veterans and nine former UFC/Bellator champions (including interim champions).

While the immediate future of the GFL remains uncertain, Wednesday's cancelations sparked a flood of commentary from fighters, coaches and managers within the MMA community, some of which can be read below.

Damn I’m sad for all these fighters who committed to the GFL and now are stuck in this weird position. Hopefully things can get figured out here soon.

— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) April 10, 2025

I was hoping to be picked up in the GFL transfer portal but things aren’t looking good.

RIP to the Co-Co-Leader in whatever it is they were trying to do https://t.co/nZD00GSMeN

— “Filthy” Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) April 10, 2025

Bro I just wanna freaking fight. wtf.

— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) April 10, 2025

Building global MMA company … Easy to talk, hard to do … @PFLMMA delivered premium product 7 years, 110 events, $225m fighter purses paid #PFLMMA

— Donn Davis (@DonnDavisPFL) April 10, 2025

https://t.co/nyexOF62pypic.twitter.com/yesxnay2Zr

— Sean Madden (@SeanM_Striking) April 10, 2025

It is very bad for MMA when adventurers come in with schemes, using the sport as a means to take $ from investors, but with no intent to construct an event over the long term. Just a scam. We have seen it time and again!‍

— Alex Davis (@Alexdavismma) April 10, 2025

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