Imagine being a top-tier MMA fighter, lured by the promise of a lucrative new league, only to have it all crumble before your eyes. That’s exactly what happened to Urijah Faber and several other high-profile fighters with the Global Fight League (GFL) debacle. In 2024, entrepreneur Darren Owen unveiled GFL, a bold venture promising a star-studded roster and substantial compensation for athletes. Names like Tyron Woodley, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Fabricio Werdum, Chris Weidman, Holly Holm, and Faber himself signed on, enticed by the vision of a team-based MMA league set to debut in Los Angeles that May. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the grand promises, the league’s events were abruptly canceled in April, leaving fighters and fans in the dark. The only update? A cryptic Instagram post in October (https://www.instagram.com/p/DPb925LCW7p/) that offered more questions than answers.
On the debut episode of Dominick Cruz’s Love & War podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYtik7gtVz4), Faber opened up about his brief, cautionary experience with GFL. He revealed that Owen’s pitch initially seemed too good to be true—and it was. ‘They were offering a ton of money,’ Faber explained, ‘but parts of it just didn’t add up.’ Despite his skepticism, Faber’s manager saw Owen’s bank account, which supposedly held $30 million, and that was enough to convince him to sign on. ‘I thought, okay, this guy’s real,’ Faber recalled. He even sought approval from UFC CEO Dana White, ensuring he wasn’t overstepping any boundaries, a move that later proved wise.
Faber wasn’t alone in his hesitation. He consulted with Anthony Pettis and Paige VanZant, who had received pre-checks from Owen. ‘Pettis was the one who really sold me on it,’ Faber admitted, ‘but I wouldn’t have done it without the UFC’s blessing.’ And this is the part most people miss: Faber’s caution saved him from deeper involvement, as he soon discovered the funds were far from secure. ‘The cracks started showing,’ he said. ‘The money in the bank? Just a temporary snapshot.’ He even advised his management to skip medicals, sensing the league’s inevitable collapse.
Owen’s vision was ambitious: to challenge the UFC’s dominance by blending veteran fighters with a team-based format, appealing to both fans and investors. While Faber admired the idea, he remained neutral, doubting anyone could truly rival the UFC. ‘Everything’s separate for me,’ he stated. ‘The UFC’s success is built on business black belts with deep pockets.’ But here’s the bold question: Was GFL a genuine attempt to innovate MMA, or just a financial mirage? And could any league truly dethrone the UFC? Let’s discuss in the comments—what’s your take?
