PFL launches women’s lightweight division anchored by Kayla Harrison and Sarah Kaufman
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the first organization ever to present MMA in the sport-season format of Regular Season, Playoffs, and Championship recently unveiled the roster for its Women’s Lightweight Division, the first women’s 155-pound weight class in MMA.
The Women’s Lightweight Division is anchored by two-time U.S. Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Kayla Harrison, who was the first woman signed by the PFL and has built her MMA career fighting in the PFL. The division will feature eight elite fighters from around the world, competing for the first women’s title in PFL history, and vying for the same $1 million championship prize that the PFL men’s divisions earn.
“As we continue to elevate our roster and reimagine the sport, we are proud to introduce the first-ever women’s 155-pound division,” said Peter Murray, CEO, PFL. “These athletes are breaking down barriers every day, and through our unique-to-the-sport season format, fans will be able to follow their journeys and engage in their stories from PFL Regular Season kick-off May 9 to PFL Championship New Year’s Eve.”
Added Ray Sefo, President of PFL Fighter Operations: “PFL is the only major MMA organization with a women’s lightweight division. Fans are going to love this talented group of women athletes competing for a world title and the $1 million prize. Kayla Harrison is a US household name and the favorite heading into the season, but she’ll be facing strong competition from around the world, including top fighters from Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, and Russia who want to enforce their will in the cage.”
PFL Women’s Lightweight Division
Kayla Harrison (USA): Harrison became the first U.S. athlete to take home judo gold at the Olympic Games when she conquered London in 2012. She made history a second time, defending her Olympic title at the Rio Games in 2016. Harrison made her MMA debut with the PFL in 2018, going 3-0 with two knockouts and a submission.
Sarah Kaufman (Canada): Kaufman is the most experienced fighter in the women’s lightweight division with 20 victories and 25 career fights, half by knockout. Over the course of her career Kaufman has held the Invicta FC Bantamweight title and was the first Strikeforce women’s Bantamweight champion.
This article first appeared at News – MMAWeekly.com
