MMA great Randy Couture to host a meet-and-greet and AFR executives
to be honored inside PFL SmartCage at Friday night’s event



NEW YORK (April 7, 2023) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league in the world, will host its second 2023 Regular Season event this Friday, April 7 with the Air Force Reserve (AFR) serving as the presenting sponsor in celebration of its 75th anniversary. The event will air on ESPN+ beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET with the action continuing on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET.

Additional components of the activation include a meet-and-greet with MMA Hall of Famer and PFL color commentator Randy Couture, AFR donating tickets to upcoming PFL events to reservists, and AFR executives will be honored inside the SmartCage at Friday’s event. Earlier this year, PFL and AFR announced an expanded agreement to partner for a fourth consecutive season.

“Air Force Reserve has been an exemplary partner and we’re incredibly honored they are serving as a presenting sponsor of PFL 2 to celebrate its 75th anniversary,” said Casey Lang, Global Partnerships Manager at PFL. “We are dedicated to supporting our active military and veterans and look forward to honoring them at The Theater at Virgin Hotels this Friday night.”

“Air Force Reserve is excited to take our partnership with the Professional Fighters League to new heights as the presenting sponsor for the PFL regular season event Friday, April 7, in Las Vegas, Nevada” said Chief Master Sergeant Derek Hudson “On April 14, 2023, the Air Force Reserve will observe our 75th birthday, and what better way to kick off the celebration than an action-packed weekend with PFL”

PFL 2 takes place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, with the league’s Heavyweights and Women’s Featherweights stepping into the Smartcage. The main event will see 2022 PFL World Champion Laressa Pacheco take on Julia Budd, with Brazilian MMA stars Burno Cappelozza and Matheus Scheffel facing off in the co-main.  

PFL is the #1 fastest growing company in MMA and the #2 MMA company on a worldwide basis. PFL is the only company in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in sports-season “win and advance” meritocracy like all other major sports. The PFL fighter roster is global and world-class, with fighters from over 20 countries and 25% independently ranked in the top 25. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage powering real-time betting and next-gen viewing experience. PFL is aired primetime live in the U.S. on ESPN and ESPN+ and in 140 countries via 25 leading broadcast and streaming partners.

About Professional Fighters League
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is the fastest growing and most innovative sports league.  PFL is the #2 MMA company worldwide on all key metrics and the only with the sports-season format where individual fighters compete in Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship.  The Company has four global live fight franchises:  PFL League Season, PFL Challenger Series, PFL PPV Super Fights, and PFL Europe.

PFL airs live in the U.S on ESPN and ESPN+ and is broadcast and streamed to 140 countries with 25 international leading media partners, including DAZN, DirectTV, Viaplay, Sky Sports, and MBC.  PFL has dozens of major brand sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, GEICO, Bose, US Marine Corps, and Celsius Energy Drink.

PFL is backed by blue-chip investors including Ares, Luxor Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, Knighthead, Legends, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners.

MMA is the growth sport of this decade, with over 600 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demo of any sport, and true global revenue streams.
PFLmma.com; Instagram (@PFLmma); Twitter (@PFLMMA); Facebook (/PFLmma)

About Air Force Reserve
The Air Force Reserve is a proud partner in America's defense, and with over 200 available careers, part-time options, and educational assistance, you get more ways to grow as you continue to serve—on duty and on your own time. The Air Force Reserve recruits talent and provides highly technical training to help you build and sustain the world's most advanced air power. All with the flexibility to advance in your civilian career or education while serving close to home. So, when you're ready, head to AFReserve.com to learn more and get started.