PFL Obtains NSAC Approval to Host Two Fights in One Night for Playoffs

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The Professional Fighters League is headed to Las Vegas.

The PFL revealed Tuesday that the 2019 playoffs on Oct. 11, 17 and 31 will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. And, for the first time in professional mixed martial arts history in Sin City, fighters will compete twice in one night, which was greenlit by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

“We’re proud to stage the 2019 PFL Playoffs in Las Vegas, the fight capital of the world and home to major league sports and larger than life entertainment events,” said Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL. “Our focus has been on partnering with leading brands and properties such as ESPN, and we are now excited to team with another world class organization in MGM Resorts as our Playoff partner in October. For the first time ever in Las Vegas, MMA fans will experience fighters fighting twice in one night to reach the PFL Championship, where six elite athletes will earn their divisional championship belts and $1 million each.”

PFL’s playoff format will feature the top-eight fighters in the men’s weight classes, which will need to win twice to advance to the finals. For the women’s lightweight division, it will be the top-four, where the two winners will then square off for the title.

The finals will take place on New Year’s Eve, when PFL will crown six winners.

“We are excited to welcome the Professional Fighters League to our MGM Resorts family and to the Sports Capital of the world,” said Mandalay Bay President and COO Chuck Bowling. “Mandalay Bay has been synonymous with MMA for nearly two decades and we look forward to continuing the tradition with an entertaining and unforgettable series of Playoff events.”