The Professional Fighters League (PFL) Legalizes Elbow Strikes

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially legalized elbow strikes in its fights, reversing its previous ban on the technique. Elbow strikes had been prohibited due to their potential to cause cuts and increase the risk of injury to fighters. However, after testing the change during the 2024 PFL finals, the organization has decided to make elbows a permanent feature in its events. Donn Davis, the chairman of PFL shared the news on social media, announcing, “New year, new adjustments. You asked for elbows and now [PFL] is giving you elbows—All elbows, all fights, all the time.”

This move marks a significant shift for the promotion which runs a league system across the US and Europe, allowing fighters to compete up to four times a year. The PFL has yet to announce specific dates for the start of the 2025 season but has scheduled a Bellator event for January 25 in Dubai. At that event, Irish fighter Paul Hughes will take on Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated match.

Meanwhile, unbeaten Manchester fighter Dakota Ditcheva made headlines by claiming the PFL flyweight world title in 2024.  Ditcheva is optimistic about bringing a major PFL event to her hometown in 2025, further raising the profile of the promotion in the UK. With the inclusion of elbow strikes and a growing global presence, the PFL continues to evolve and attract top talent.

The 2025 season promises to be an exciting chapter in the league’s development. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continues to offer a unique and fast-paced alternative to traditional MMA promotions.