by Adam Josephson
Photo Credit: PFL MMA
Mads Burnell believes that true fighters will find the Professional Fighters League (PFL) an ideal place to compete.
Burnell headlines PFL 5 at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, facing Clay Collard on June 21. This event marks PFL’s debut in Utah and comes just over two months after Burnell’s PFL debut in April.
While many newcomers to the PFL struggle with the frequent fights, Burnell loves the quick turnaround. The PFL season format features fighters across six weight classes competing in two regular season bouts to determine playoff contenders, culminating in semifinals and a final with a $1 million prize. This format, along with pay-per-view and Bellator events, keeps PFL fighters more active than those in other promotions. Burnell believes the PFL is for fighters who are eager to compete rather than handpick matchups.
“I love it. I love the quick turnaround and not having to wait three, six months between fights,” Burnell said during a recent media call. “We fight because it’s fun. We love it. Of course, we want to get paid as well. So, not all this picking and choosing, just get in there and put on fights. The PFL tournament format is super cool. If you’re a true fighter and just want to get in there, PFL is 100% the place to be.”
Burnell was retained by the PFL after its takeover of Bellator in November 2023. He moved up to lightweight for his PFL debut in April, where he suffered a second-round submission loss to Michael Dufort, ending a two-fight winning streak. However, Burnell felt comfortable in his new division.
“My biggest takeaway was how great I felt going up a weight class,” Burnell said. “I’ve never felt as good as I did going into that fight, including the weight cut and all that. So, that’s probably the biggest takeaway, how great I felt at lightweight.”
