Longtime MMA manager Lloyd Pierson has accused Global Fight League (GFL) of failing to fulfill financial commitments to fighters following recent event cancellations. Pierson, who represents multiple fighters signed with GFL, highlighted the organization's failure to deliver on promised financial incentives, resulting in financial harm to fighters who had relied on these assurances.
GFL's cancellations of planned events and funding issues have raised concerns among fighters and their representatives, including Pierson. The promotion's CEO, Darren Owen, has faced criticism for allegedly offering a revenue share model to fighters in place of their contracted pay, with former UFC fighter Alan Belcher labeling GFL as questionable. Despite assurances from Owen about ongoing negotiations with investors and plans for future events, the lack of clarity and sudden changes in agreements have prompted Pierson to caution fighters against accepting unfavorable terms and call for solidarity within the MMA community to protect athletes from exploitative practices by emerging promotions.