PFL are continuing to build their inaugural European league next year as the promotion has signed former Cage Warriors champion Dominique Wooding.
Wooding, 26, is one of Britain's most talented prospects and previously held the Cage Warriors bantamweight title before losing it to Michele Martignoni earlier this month. 'Black Panther' broke onto the scene in Cage Warriors by picking up three consecutive knockout wins, one of which came in just 38 seconds when he finished Carlos Abreu with a stunning flying knee to win the 135lb title.
Wooding will compete in PFL's European league next year, which is separate from the main league that PFL hosts each year. New titles will be up for grabs with the introduction of the league as fans around Europe will be able to watch the events during prime time exclusively on DAZN after the promotion recently signed a broadcast rights deal with the streaming service. Wooding's move to PFL Europe comes after the likes of Dakota Ditcheva and Will Fleurry also recently earned contracts to compete in the league.
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"I’m extremely excited to sign with the most exciting MMA promotion in the PFL," Wooding said. "I finally have the opportunity to compete with the very best athletes in Europe and the world and become a Champion in a major global league. The PFL’s unique season format is the future of the sport. I cannot wait to introduce myself and run through the bantamweight division."
Wooding was backed to appear on UFC London in July after his string of impressive performances, but he never received the call-up. UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya thinks Wooding has a bright future ahead of him and labelled the Brit as one of his favourite fighters to watch. “Dom Wooding, from them ends. The Black Panther, he’s UFC calibre trust," Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. "He’s one of my favourite fighters to watch, his bounce, his slick boxing, his flying knees and the way he flows. I love his style.”
PFL boss Peter Murray said of their European league: "Europe is rich with top fighters who are ready to compete in the PFL’s season format on a major stage and passionate MMA fans throughout the region will now have access to premium events staged in Europe.” Ray Sefo, CEO of Fighter Operations, added: "PFL is about opportunity and we are proud of the opportunity we are providing fighters across Europe. I can’t wait to get to work on the first season of PFL Europe.”
