MMA
PFL Unveils 2025 Tournament Brackets

The PFL has officially revealed the brackets for its revamped 2025 tournament format, marking a significant shift in its approach to MMA competition. The unveiling, dubbed PFL’s version of “March Madness,” took place on March 11, setting the stage for an electrifying series of single-elimination bouts across eight weight classes. With $500,000 on the line for each bracket winner, the stakes are higher than ever as fighters prepare to compete starting April 3 at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando.
A Revamped Format for 2025
In a departure from its traditional season-long structure, the PFL has introduced an 8-fighter, single-elimination tournament format for 2025. This change reduces the prize purse from $1 million to $500,000 but promises faster-paced action and a more streamlined path to glory. Fighters will now face direct elimination in their pursuit of the championship, intensifying the pressure and excitement with every bout.
The tournament spans eight weight classes: women’s flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. Each bracket follows a seeding system that pits higher-ranked fighters against lower-seeded opponents in the opening round.
The decision to host the tournament at Universal Studios Florida adds an extra layer of intrigue and spectacle to this year’s competition. The iconic venue promises a unique backdrop for MMA action, blending entertainment with high-stakes combat sports drama.
Exciting Matchups Across Eight Divisions
The bracket reveal showcased the depth of talent across all divisions, with fighters from various backgrounds set to clash under the new format. While specific fighter names were not disclosed during the announcement, fans can expect thrilling battles given the PFL’s history of assembling world-class athletes.
Here’s a breakdown of the bracket structure across all eight divisions:
IT ONLY TAKES ONE PUNCH 👊
Here are your First Round Heavyweights & Light Heavyweights matchups set for May 1st!
[ #PFLWorldTournament | Thursday , May 1st | 📺 10PM EST | ESPN 2 ] pic.twitter.com/5lFyhVpZhL— PFL (@PFLMMA) March 12, 2025
🚨𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗦 🚨
The names in the Middleweights & Lightweights division set to go battle on April 18th
IT’S ONE SHOT AND ADVANCE
[ #PFLWorldTournament | Friday, April 18th | 📺 7PM EST | ESPN ] pic.twitter.com/6Qpu0s4qyR— PFL (@PFLMMA) March 12, 2025
𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗪𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 & 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡’𝗦 𝗙𝗟𝗬𝗪𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞
The 2025 PFL World Tournament continues with your April 11th Fight Card!!
[ #PFLWorldTournament | Friday , April 11th | 📺 11:30 PM EST | ESPN 2 ] pic.twitter.com/LULtopXqvd— PFL (@PFLMMA) March 12, 2025
𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗢❗️𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬❗️
The 2025 PFL World Tournament starts on April 3rd with a BANG with the Welterweights & Featherweights
[ #PFLWorldTournament | Thursday , April 3rd | 📺 10PM EST | ESPN 2 ] pic.twitter.com/pNRcR3dSnV— PFL (@PFLMMA) March 12, 2025
The diversity of weight classes ensures that fans will witness a variety of fighting styles and strategies throughout the tournament season.
With just weeks remaining until the opening round on April 3, anticipation is building among fans and fighters alike. The single-elimination format guarantees that every fight matters—one loss means elimination from championship contention.
What’s Next?
As fighters finalize their preparations for this high-stakes tournament, fans eagerly await further announcements regarding specific matchups and participants in each division. With $500K awaiting each champion and no room for error in this unforgiving format, PFL’s new approach is poised to deliver some of the most intense MMA action of the year.