Global Fight League [GFL] will officially launch in 2026, according to the promotion’s latest statement.
The new MMA promotion snapped up a ton of talent with the promise of two shots in May.
GFL‘s future has been up in the air since those events were cancelled due to a lack of investment.
After several months of silence, the potential UFC rival has posted a positive update about its future.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesGFL confirms first fight
On Sunday, GFL excited MMA fans by suggesting the promotion will finally launch in 2026.
To the athletes, fans, and partners, thank you for your patience and support,” GFL tweeted.
“We’ve been hard at work and look forward to sharing what’s next.
“Stay tuned, more to come on our plans for 2026. #TogetherWeFight.”
To the athletes, fans and partners, thank you for your patience and support. We’ve been hard at work and look forward to sharing what’s next. Stay tuned, more to come on our plans for 2026.#TogetherWeFight pic.twitter.com/uyL7CHp1hS
— Global Fight League (@mmagfl) October 5, 2025
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GFL followed up that post by announcing a rematch between two UFC legends as their first official fight.
Chris Weidman lost his UFC middleweight title to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194 in December 2015.
A decade later, the MMA icons agreed to rematch with GFL, but their fight was called off in April.
Since then, Luke Rockhold has been badly knocked out by Darren Till after transitioning to boxing.
The 40-year-old former champion teased a retirement before GFL rebooked his rematch with Weidman.
“Our first confirmed matchup,” the MMA startup posted on Sunday.
“The All-American @chrisweidman takes on @LukeRockhold in a highly anticipated rematch between 2 former champions!”
Weidman and Rockhold have yet to publicly acknowledge the apparent rebooking of their rematch.
Only time will tell if GFL will be able to deliver events and become a genuine UFC rival.