The promotion was all set to kick off its inaugural season with back-to-back shows on May 24 and 25 in Los Angeles, but a social media post from Fight Oracle reported that the events had been “postponed.” This report was later confirmed by multiple outlets, including Ariel Helwani and MMA Junkie, who stated that the events had been cancelled.
This has been “postponed” but we know what that means. GFL has no money. Feel bad for the fighters who just didn’t know any better. they thought this was real. https://t.co/8DBFVRwHdn
— FightOracle ™🇺🇸 (@fightoracle) April 10, 2025
GFL has canceled its first two events, scheduled for May 24 and 25 in Los Angeles, per multiple sources and confirmed by CSAC executive director Andy Foster.
There are serious doubts about the future of the promotion.
Reached out to founder Darren Owen but no reply at this…
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 10, 2025
GFL founder Darren Owen later issued a written statement to MMA Junkie explaining the situation, as he blamed issues with the promotion’s “primary investor” for the enforced cancellation of the season-opening double-header in LA.
“Our primary investor didn’t fulfill his April obligation which has caused some issues,” he said.
“However, we have a solution in place. We are likely going to have to launch in June but 100% moving forward.”
The promotion, which made headlines by announcing a colossal potential roster packed with veteran fighters and former champions, had its inaugural draft in January, where fighters were selected for city-based teams across the world, with teams set to represent London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Sao Paulo and Dubai.
