This Friday night, the Global Fight League (GFL) held its long-awaited first draft. Celebrities like Holly Holm, Cat Zingano, and Paige VanZant have been chosen, with current stars and up-and-comers in the mix. A total of 36 female fighters were drafted to join teams based in six cities: Los Angeles, New York, Sao Paulo, Miami, Dubai, and London.
GFL has introduced a unique format to the sport, with its three weight classes set at slightly higher limits than traditional MMA. Atomweight is 110 pounds instead of the usual 105 pounds, strawweight is 125 pounds instead of 115 pounds, and bantamweight is 140 pounds instead of 135 pounds. This difference allows fighters to compete closer to their natural weight, greatly reducing the dangerous and often extreme weight cuts common in MMA. Athletes drafted into these divisions are those who have already competed in these lightweight divisions or who can easily make it to that weight class, meaning they are fitter, stronger, and more prepared to perform. It means that it is in order.
In the draft, each of the six teams would select two players in each class from among hundreds of players. The complete list of draft picks is below.
atom weight
- Cory McKenna (Los Angeles) – Record: 8-4
- Jessica Penne (Los Angeles) – Record: 14 wins, 8 losses
- Marisa Messer Belenchia (New York) – Record: 5-2
- Vi Nguyen (New York) – Record: 6-9
- Pamela Mara (Sao Paulo) – Record: 6-4
- Joyce Mara (Sao Paulo) – Record: 12 wins, 6 losses
- Natasha Kuziutina (Miami) – Record: 7-1
- Kayla Fracho (Miami) – Record: 6-4
- Jessica Aguilar (Dubai) – Record: 20-10
- Anastasia Nikolakakos (Dubai) – Record: 5-0
- Kelly Staddon (London) – Record: 3-1
- Chiara Penko (London) – Record: 9 wins, 5 losses
strawweight
- Ilima-Rae McFarlane (Los Angeles) – Record: 13 wins, 3 losses
- Cynthia Calvillo (Los Angeles) – Record: 10 wins, 6 losses
- Miao Ding (New York) – Record: 18-8
- Melissa Amaya (New York) – Record: 7-0
- Vivian Pereira (São Paulo) – Record: 16 wins, 4 losses
- Camila Reynoso (Sao Paulo) – Record: 6-0
- Hannah Goldie (Miami) – Record: 7-4
- Paige VanZant (Miami) – Record: 8-5
- Randy Field (Dubai) – Record: 5-1
- Fine Mesquita (Dubai) – Record: 3-0
- Carolina Oakers (London) – Record: 5-3
- Josefin Knutsson (London) – Record: 8-1
bantamweight
- Aspen Ladd (Los Angeles) – Record: 12 wins, 5 losses
- Leslie Smith (Los Angeles) – Record: 12 wins, 9 losses
- Liana Jojua (New York) – Record: 8-6
- Holly Holm (New York) – Record: 15 wins, 7 losses
- Paula Bittencourt (Sao Paulo) – Record: 7-3
- Alejandra Lara (São Paulo) – Record: 11 wins, 8 losses
- Cat Zingano (Miami) – Record: 14 wins, 5 losses
- Mariya Agapova (Miami) – Record: 10 wins, 5 losses
- Alexa Connors (Dubai) – Record: 8-5
- Arlene Blencowe (Dubai) – Record: 16 wins, 10 losses
- Panny Kianzado (London) – Record: 16 wins, 9 losses
- Julia Budd (London) – Record: 17 wins, 6 losses
The 36-fighter roster includes legends, current stars, and up-and-coming talent. This combination of experience and fresh faces sets the stage for exciting matchups as GFL usher in a new era in women’s MMA.
The teams have been chosen and the GFL is gearing up for its first event, scheduled to be held later this year. Fans look forward to a league format that blends team representation and individual skills to create a unique and competitive environment. GFL’s innovative approach to prioritizing player health and performance is poised to have a major impact on the sport.
