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A former UFC lightweight recently sounded off on the PFL for reportedly retaining matching rights in fighter contracts even if they are released. He noted that there have been several complaints regarding their business practices as it could result in fighters being retained for less money.
The promotion was heavily criticized by Bellator featherweight champion Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire as he requested his release from the promotion to remain active in his final years of his career. The Brazilian finally got his wish yesterday after a series of posts on his X account, but indicated that he is awaiting confirmation in writing that the PFL won't have any matching rights should he sign with the UFC.
During the latest episode of WEIGHING IN, former UFC lightweight Josh Thomson took aim at the PFL for even considering retaining matching rights for fighters that they release. Thomson mentioned that it is an unethical business practice that will ruin their reputation among fighters:
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"They're actually offering [fighters] a contract for less money, John, which is kind of a di*k move to do. And then telling them, 'We're gonna release you but we want to have matching rights then'. So I want to know how many of those fighters are going to...feel the need to leave cause they don't want to fight there, but also have to have the matching clause in there...That's a lot of what I'm hearing is going on right now." [1:35:30]
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Check out the full episode featuring Josh Thomson's comments below:
Former UFC lightweight Josh Thomson claims PFL has negative perception among fighters and managers
In addition to discussing the PFL's reported matching rights in their released fighters' contracts, former UFC lightweight Josh Thomson claimed the promotion has a negative perception among fighters and managers.
During the aforementioned episode, Thomson mentioned that fighters and managers are in constant communication and the perception appears to be that they suggest avoiding the promotion:
"We know this, John, fighters talk. They talk to each other, managers talk to each other and I can tell you now, managers are like, 'Get the fu*k out'. As soon as you can get your fighter out of there, get out." [1:36:52]
Check out Donn Davis' post regarding Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire's release from the promotion below:
