Forbes Report: PFL Surges to 2nd Place in MMA Social Media Battle, Threatens UFC’s Dominance
The world of combat sports has been on fire with thrilling events, and social media has been the battleground for fans’ attention. While the UFC has long reigned as the undisputed king of clicks, a new contender is rising fast. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has claimed the second spot in the latest MMA social media engagement metrics, leaving Bellator and ONE Championship behind.
Data provided by social media listening firm Bedrock PR and a report by Forbes reveals the social media followings across all platforms for major MMA promotions:
- UFC – 109M followers
- ONE Championship – 56.04M followers
- Bellator MMA – 8.39M followers
- PFL – 7.27M followers
PFL’s impressive leap in social media mentions is partly due to the signing of big-name fighters like Francis Ngannou and Cedric Doumbe. Ngannou’s popularity has soared since joining PFL and gearing up for a high-stakes boxing match against Tyson Fury. His Instagram post promoting the fight garnered over 1.1 million engagements.
Doumbe, too, has become a social media sensation for PFL. His training video with Salahdine Parnasse reached 6,693 engagements and 1.7 million views, adding to the promotion’s online momentum.
With the PFL Championship approaching in November, experts believe the promotion’s social media profile will continue to rise. There’s even speculation that PFL might surpass Bellator in total followers.
While the UFC still dominates the scene with its spectacular content and viral moments, PFL’s steady growth and strategic signings have elevated its social media presence. As the engagement battle intensifies with upcoming events across different promotions, MMA fans can expect an exhilarating and action-packed digital experience.
As heavyweight Derrick Lewis enters free agency and exciting events like the PFL Playoffs, Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender series, Bellator 298, and UFC 292 are on the horizon, the stage is set for another surge in social media engagement over the next three months. MMA enthusiasts, hold on tight; this is just the beginning of an electrifying journey in the world of combat sports.
JOE ROGAN’S VERDICT: JAKE PAUL VS. NATE DIAZ MMA FIGHT IN PFL SETS STAGE FOR EPIC REMATCH
In a fight that played out as many had expected, Jake Paul emerged victorious over Nate Diaz in a unanimous decision. The boxing match saw moments of excitement, including a classic Diaz move when he put Paul in a guillotine choke and flexed his biceps. However, the surprise came after the fight when Paul offered Diaz a staggering $10 million for an MMA rematch in the PFL.
During the post-fight interview, Paul’s offer ignited discussions among fans and experts, with Joe Rogan sharing his thoughts on the potential MMA bout during the August 5, 2023, episode of JRE’s Fight Companion. Rogan believed that the boxing match served as a perfect setup for a future MMA clash between Paul and Diaz. He praised Diaz for his tenacity and survival against Paul, despite being considered an underdog by many before the fight.
Rogan’s excitement for the potential MMA rematch was palpable, envisioning a massive payday and a thrilling encounter. He expressed surprise at Diaz’s initial hesitation to face Paul in the PFL, considering the considerable financial rewards that come with such an opportunity. The UFC commentator was puzzled by Diaz’s reluctance, given the potential for a lucrative and captivating MMA fight. He stated:
“Wow, I tell you what? That sets up an MMA fight for sure. If they wanna do it and make more money that makes it very interesting. That sets up an MMA fight for sure. That was impressive. And Diaz poured it on man, and many people felt Diaz was gonna get blown out, but he survived.”
With the boxing match setting the stage for a potential MMA showdown, fans and fighters alike are eagerly anticipating the possibility of Paul and Diaz stepping into the cage for an epic rematch. The prospect of two fierce competitors clashing in a different arena adds an extra layer of excitement to their rivalry, leaving fight enthusiasts wondering what lies ahead in this intriguing chapter of combat sports.
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