The World Struggle League’s rollout of matchups for its inaugural season isn’t precisely being met with optimistic reactions, particularly essentially the most lately confirmed bout between former UFC heavyweight champions Frank Mir and Fabrício Werdum.
This 12 months, the GFL is ready to stage occasions for the primary time, as the brand new group targets success in blended martial arts with a team-based format. 15 reveals are apparently lined up till August, earlier than a pair of playoff playing cards and one remaining occasion goes down on the finish of 2025.
After confirming the six metropolis groups and supervisor/head coach combos for every, 120 athletes had been chosen as a part of the inaugural draft in January. A couple of weeks on — and earlier than the discharge of any data on dates and areas for the upcoming occasions — the primary matchups have emerged.
Following the announcement of Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold 2, the GFL triggered a stir by revealing the return matchup for a effectively previous his prime Maurício “Shogun” Rua, who will face the highly effective Yoel Romero.
And extra matchups driving additional “Grandad Struggle League” jokes amongst followers look to be on the way in which, beginning with a heavyweight conflict between 45-year-old Staff Los Angeles consultant Mir and 47-year-old Werdum, of Staff São Paulo.
The Brazilian’s inclusion marks one in all many considerations highlighted by the MMA group. Werdum and fellow GFL signing Wanderlei Silva each cited irreversible mind injury of their statements for the now-settled antitrust lawsuit in opposition to the UFC.
That was identified by some followers whereas reacting to his first struggle since a 2023 determination loss to Junior dos Santos below the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA banner. Mir, in the meantime, hasn’t fought in MMA since 2019 and misplaced each his skilled boxing debut and Triad Fight bout 2021.
