Boxing champion Amanda Serrano signed a deal with the Professional Fighters League to compete in mixed martial arts. Here’s what you need to know:
- Serrano (44-2-1 with 30 KOs) is the undisputed featherweight boxing champion and a seven division world champion. Her only loss of the last decade came on a split decision to fellow titleholder Katie Taylor in April 2022.
- The 34-year-old will fight in the new PFL PPV Super Fight Division. Fighters part of that division — Serrano, Jake Paul, Francis Ngannou and Kayla Harrison — will earn 50 percent of the revenue from PPV events.
- Serrano is 2-0-1 in MMA, winning both of her career fights by submission. Her last MMA bout was a first-round guillotine choke of Valentina Garcia in 2021.
What they are saying
“I joined the PFL PPV Super Fight Division because of their revolutionary format that empowers fighters like never before,” Serrano said in a statement. “The PFL’s commitment to promoting high-profile, pay-per-view events with some of the biggest MMA stars in the world showcases an incredible opportunity to elevate my career to new heights and prove my ability beyond just the ring. I may be known for boxing, but I’ve always loved and trained in MMA and jiu-jitsu, knowing those skills would only add to my ability when going against any opponent.”
PFL PPV Super Fight Division co-creators Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul said Serrano is a ‘natural fit’ with the promotion.
“The PFL’s innovative format, coupled with its commitment to equal fighter-pay and elevating female fighters, provides Amanda with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase her MMA skills to the world,” they said in a statement. “She’s a knockout queen in the ring and has shown to be a submission artist in the cage. Her addition to the PPV Super Fight Division is a testament to the growth and appeal of the league, further solidifying the PFL as the premier destination for MMA stars across the globe.”
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Why the PFL signed Serrano
Despite being 34, Serrano is still one of the most dangerous punchers in combat sports today. She’s a legend, having won titles in seven divisions, and has only suffered a recent loss to arguably the top pound-for-pound female boxer in Katie Taylor. One of the most technical fighters in the sport, she also has incredible finishing skills.
The PFL, still behind the UFC in terms of brand awareness and overall stars, needs more name recognition and talent. This is one way to do it. Considering her manager is Paul, this makes complete sense.
How will she fare in MMA?
That’s the million dollar question. Serrano has the skills to compete on the feet with anyone in her weight class. But as we’ve seen from boxers who have made the transition to the cage, she likely will have issues on the ground. Her opponents will be doing everything in their power to take her to the mat for ground-and-pound or submission attempts. That said, she does have some jiu-jitsu experience and is 5-0 in no-gui competition. If she can bolster her grappling, she could be a force.
(Photo: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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