GLOBAL FIGHT LEAGUE

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Redefining Combat Sports: The Future of Fighting Begins Here!

GFL is revolutionizing combat sports with a global, fight league that shares 50% of event revenue with athletes and prioritizes their health, wellness, and retirement. This groundbreaking league unites fans and athletes, creating MMA’s most passionate community.

(Disclaimer: Bit of a fantasy project of mine. The team concept is a little tricky but I assure you this will be fun.. I bloody hope so at least!)
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Fighters TBA

 

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GFL CHAMPIONS

 

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GLOBAL FIGHT LEAGUE CONFIRMS TOURNAMENT EVENTS​

Following the announcement of a new MMA promotion known as the Global Fight League. There has been a lot of questions or talks in regards to what we can expect from the Global Fight League. A press conference was held today in which GFL founder Darren Owen was joined by the official GFL commentary team of Mike Goldberg, Brendan Schaub and Robin Black. During this press conference Darren Owen revealed the game plan for the Global Fight League. Revealing that the official weight classes will be Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Middleweight, Welterweight, Lightweight, Featherweight, Bantamweight, Flyweight, Women's Bantamweight, Women's Flyweight and Women's Strawweight. Owen would then follow up by revealing that the plan will be for each weight class to hold it's own exclusive 32 person tournament with the winners of which being crowned the official GFL CHAMPIONS! Owens would close by promising several bracketology reveals to come which will unveil the fighters and matches for the opening rounds!

 

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(Narrated by Snoop Dogg)
"From around the world, 32 warriors have answered the call. Who will be the first GFL World Champion!"

HEAVYWEIGHT BRACKETOLOGY
Hosted by: Robin Black, Mike Goldberg and Brendan Schaub

MG: "Ladies and Gentleman, Good evening and welcome to the first of many GFL Youtube specials. My name is Mike Goldberg and I am joined tonight by Robin Black and Brendan Schaub to present to you one of the biggest nights in MMA history"

RB: "That's right Mike. Tonight we will learn just who will be competing in the Global Fight League Heavyweight tournament and just who they will in fact be facing and I cannot wait."

BS: "This is a big field with fighters from across the world. Some familiar faces and some we won't know yet. But if there is one thing I know from my time competing and my time in a tournament. It's with Heavyweight, nothing is predictable with that size and power."

MG: "Absolutely. Now I must mention we aren't the only ones in the building tonight. As we have making the announcements of the fighters themselves our reporter Alex Wendling. While we also have an all star panel who will appear which is comprised of Kenny Florian, Dan Hardy, The Schmo, Helen Yee, Josh Thompson and my friend Big John McCarthy."
---------------------------- PICK ONE ----------------------------

[The feed cuts to a large round table where this impressive panel is all smiles and waves to the camera. From here we go to Alex Wendling as she prepares to make the first announcements.]

AW: "Thank you for the introduction Mike. So with this bracketology special, I will begin by introducing the first eight Heavyweights who are set to compete as part of the GFL Heavyweight title tournament. This will begin with a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. A fighter notorious for his knockout power and elite boxing with wins over the likes of Fabricio Werdum, Mark Hunt, Cain Velasquez and Mirko Cro Cop. The first fighter to be announced for the GFL is.. Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos!"

[Quickly we cut back to the desk where Mike Goldberg is clapping his hands and nodding his head approvingly.]


MG: "What a start to this tournament. Junior Dos Santos! A man who I'm proud to say I have called many of his fights"

RB: "Perhaps one of the most feared punchers alone in MMA let alone heavyweight. This is a man who has pulled off some of the biggest knockouts in Heavyweight history."

BS: "This is someone with fight ending power. I've had friends of mine fight JDS and trust me when I say when he hits it hits different. While he is a little older, this is a fighter capable of truly putting anyone in the field out."

---------------------------- PICK TWO ----------------------------

AW: "Now off of the back of Junior Dos Santos. We follow with the announcement of our second competitor as part of the GFL Heavyweight tournament. Similar to JDS this man is also a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. In a different stance to Junior who was known for his knockout power. This fighter is known for his vicious submission ability which he has used to put away competitors such as Brock Lesnar, Antonio Nogueira and Tim Sylvia. The second competitor in the GFL tournament will be Frank Mir!."

[The cameras then return us to the desk where our hosts are stationed.]


MG: "Two names in and two legendary figures in the Heavyweight division. We've gone from a vicious striker to one of the most feared grapplers in the sport Frank Mir."

RB: "This is what makes a fighter like Mir dangerous. We've seen it countless times his ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. If he grabs a limb the fight is over."

BS: "I've rolled with Frank and trained with him. When it comes to grappling he has the strength of a heavyweight but the quickness of a lightweight. If you underestimate that now he is older you will risk tapping or snapping."

---------------------------- PICK THREE ----------------------------

AW: "So far we have had Cigano and then we have had Mir. Two absolute legends and former champions. It is now my pleasure and honor to introduce the third competitor to the tournament. Another former champion who is a true veteran of the sport and has fought a veritable who's who of the Heavyweight division with names such as Fabricio Werdum, Frank Mir, Tim Sylvia, Roy Nelson and Ben Rothwell as his noted victories. Participant number three in the GFL heavyweight tournament is.. Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski!"

{From here we return back to the desk.}


MG: "The Pitbull has come to the GFL. I have had the privilege of calling a ton of this mans fights. It feels like this is a true renaissance man of MMA to still be competing at such a high level."

RB: "I couldn't have put it better myself. He is timeless. This is a experienced fighter who has constantly evolved."

BS: "I speak from first hand experience. Arlovski has that veteran savvy. He knows how to win and how to find a way. He might not be the flashiest but he can shut your lights out!"

---------------------------- PICK FOUR ----------------------------

AW: "3 fighters in and 3 world champions at that in this impressive 32 man heavyweight tournament field. Now for our fourth entry we follow that trend with not just a former world champion but one of the sports most accomplished NCAA Champions. He holds victories over the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Lyoto Machida, Rampage Jackson and Rashad Evans. He is.. Ryan "Darth" Bader!"

MG: "BADER! I think our colleague may have undersold Ryan Bader. This is a multiple weight champion from Bellator who is now looking to add another title to his collection."


RB: "This is a dangerous opponent to have in this field. A powerful and explosive wrestler with heavy hands. In any fighter the ability to dictate just where the fight goes is crucial."

BS: "I have fought at the same events as Bader. I know people who have trained and fought him. The word passed around is relentless. This is a scary opponent to have especially if he can get the fight to the ground."

---------------------------- PICK FIVE ----------------------------

AW: "Off of the back of four former world champions. Our next entry the tournament is a true knockout artist boasting 13 knockout wins in his 15 wins including over two men already announced in the tournament Junior Dos Santos and Andrei Arlovski as well as Alistair Overeem. He is Jairzinho 'Bigi Boy' Rozenstruik."

MG: "The name says it all. Bigi Boy. Big power from this man who can end a fight literally in one shot."


RB: "This man is a pure danger striker. He is a dangerous blend of technique thanks to his kickboxing background and power. This means he is dangerous at range and up close."

BS: "Exactly man. This is the kind of dude who you can dominate for the entire fight only for him to shut you off in the closing seconds. This is a guy who can blow the field open."

---------------------------- PICK SIX ----------------------------

AW: "Our sixth entrant in the tournament will be a man who is known all across the world not just for his knockout power but his size. As our next entry is a multiple world's strongest man winner who has competed with fighters such as Tim Sylvia, Rolles Gracie Jr and Mamed Khalidov. Our next entry is Mariusz "Pudzian" Pudzianowski!"

MG: "Now this was unexpected! Pudzianowski from Poland! From the Strongman arena to the cage to the GFL!"


RB: "He is a unique entry in this tournament. Just raw horsepower and brute strength. This is a wild powerful dude and that makes him dangerous."

BS: "To echo Robin. Mariusz may not be the most skilled or proficient fighter but he's freakishly strong. This is the guy who if he grabs you it's like being grabbed by a bear. He is a freak athlete and freak athletes can win fights!"
---------------------------- PICK SEVEN ----------------------------

AW: Our seventh entrant in the GFL Heavyweight title tournament is a former 2008 Olympian in Freestyle wrestling. A veteran of MMA who has fought in Bellator and the PFL. He is unbeaten in ten fights with his most recent win being a TKO of Jared Rosholt. He is a former PFL tournament winner, he is Ali Isaev!

MG: "The former PFL tournament winner. Ali Isaev is our first unbeaten fighter to join the GFL Heavyweight title tournament."


RB: "This is a fighter no one wants to see in their bracket. He is a very stereotypical fighter from Dagestan as he brings relentless takedowns and smothering top control. The pace this man can keep for a heavyweight is unreal."

BS: "Wrestling on a level like this. It is far from flashy! However he can absolutely ruin your night and your game plan if you can't defend shot after shot!"

---------------------------- PICK EIGHT ----------------------------

AW: Now finally to round out the first eight names in our Heavyweight title tournament. We follow with a true veteran of the sport who has over 60 victories to his name. A true grappling standout and perhaps one of the most feared grappling aces in the game. A man with wins over the likes of Fabricio Werdum, Mark Hunt and Mirko Cro Cop. The eighth entry in the GFL tournament is "The Boa Constrictor" Aleksei Oleinik!

MG: "The Boa Constrictor! Perhaps there is not a more apt name in MMA than this. Someone who has performed rarely seen submissions when he has someone in his grasp"

RB: "This guy is an absolute wizard on the mat! A true submission magician with countless tricks up his sleeve!"

BS: "That's truly the scary thing with this guy. You can be in as dominant a position as possible and then boom he has put you asleep. He is truly someone who you can't count out of a fight!

MG: So Just a refresher for you all. The GFL Heavyweight Tournament line up is currently as followed...

HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT
1. Junior Dos Santos
2. Frank Mir
3. Andrei Arlovski
4. Ryan Bader
5. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
6. Mariusz Pudzianowski
7. Ali Isaev
8. Alexey Oleinik
24 fighters remaining to be announced
(Writers Note: Experimenting a little here. Never done anything like this. If you guys like it I'm happy to do it for every weight in the tournament. Part 2 is coming soon)


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HEAVYWEIGHT BRACKETOLOGY​

MG: We are back after a short break to announce the next eight participants of the GFL Heavyweight title tournament. So let's take it back to Alex Wendling for pick Nine.

------------------------------ PICK NINE ------------------------------

AW: Thanks Mike, So far in these announcements we have had competitors from America, Brazil, Russia, Dagestan, Belarus, Poland and Suriname. Now for our next entry to continue this international flavor we have a highly accomplished grappler from Spain and a former Ultimate Fighter winner.. Juan "El Guapo" Espino!

MG: El Guapo! Juan Espino returns to the cage!

RB: This is an incredibly funky and awkward fighter. He doesn't fight like your typical heavyweight and he is absolutely suffocating with his grappling.

BS: Plus as with most heavyweights Espino is packed with knockout power to boot. It may not be technical but it is damaging!

------------------------------ PICK TEN ------------------------------

AW: As we enter our tenth round and announcement. We at the GFL felt that there was perhaps someone even more equipped to welcome our next fighter. So please join me at this time in introducing a true legend of the sport Antonio Minotauro Nogueira!

{As Nogueira appears on a camera feed; Mike Goldberg, Brendan Schaub and Robin Black all clap their hands for the legend.}

MG: My old friend. Welcome to the GFL!

Nogueira: Thank you Mike. It's good to see you all. I'm here to announce the next entry to the GFL Heavyweight title tournament. A man I know extremely well from my own battles against him. He is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. He's beaten the likes of Cain Velasquez and Fedor Emelianenko and he is in my own opinion the greatest submission artist in MMA history. He is Fabricio "Vai Cavalho" Werdum!

MG: Fabricio Werdum! What an announcement! This field is continuing to grow more stacked with every announcement!

RB: Werdum is a dangerous fight wherever it goes. A true submission specialist who has been a product of Chute Box to have stand up on par with his grappling.

BS: I don't care how good a grappler you maybe. Going to the ground with someone like Werdum is a bad decision. It will be a long night trying to survive with him.

------------------------------ PICK ELEVEN ------------------------------

AW: For our eleventh pick of the evening. We continue to go global as this time we head to Paris, France. For a highly skilled kickboxer and veteran of both the UFC and Bellator. With wins over Mirko Cro Cop, Alexander Volkov and Vitaly Minakov. Participant Eleven will be Cheick Kongo!

MG: Cheick Kongo in the GFL! Now this is a surprise. A true veteran of the game who has fought a who's who!

RB: This is a powerful and dangerous fighter. He is someone more than capable of playing spoiler in any fighter.

BS: A dangerous kickboxer who is a powerhouse in the clinch. Kongo may not be a flashy fighter but he is dangerous.

------------------------------ PICK TWELVE ------------------------------

AW: For our next pick of the evening. We again have a special guest in the building to introduce this next fighter. So please welcome a true pioneer of heavyweight MMA and amateur wrestling. Dan "The Beast" Severn!

{Dan Severn appears on camera as our hosts applaud him.}

MG: I couldn't put it better than my colleague Alex. A true pioneer of the sport and former UFC tournament winner Dan Severn. Welcome to the GFL!

DS: It is a pleasure to be here. It also also my honor to be asked to introduce the following man. You know in my decades in the sport competing all over the world. I'd like to think I'm a good judge of toughness. This fighter has survived wars in and out of the cage. A veteran of Bellator, the UFC and PFL. He is Blagoy Ivanov!

MG: Honestly I don't think we could have put it better. A fighter with an incredible story of resilience and toughness.

RB: A great call from the beast. This man is practically unbreakable. I mean he came back from a stab wound to the chest to compete at the highest level.

BS: Tough as nails and well versed in the art of Sambo. Blagoy is a nightmare match up for many a fighter in this tournament. He could be a dark horse to go far.

------------------------------ PICK THIRTEEN ------------------------------

AW: For our next pick of the night we have another guest geared up to make the announcement. So please put your hands together for another icon of the sport who has since hit the big screens... Bas Rutten!

{As Bas Rutten appears on the screen he is applauded by our hosts}

MG: Bas.. My old friend! welcome to the show!

RB: It's proving to be quite the reunion tonight!

BR: Thank you all! It is absolutely awesome to be apart of this! It very much reminds me of the old days of pride and the gran prix tournaments putting all these names and faces together for one prize. Speaking of Pride, I am here tonight to announce the thirteenth selection in the heavyweight tournament. This is a man who has competed in Pride, Strikeforce, Bellator and also Dream and holds wins over Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Alistair Overeem. Sergei "Paratrooper" Kharitonov!

MG: What a selection! One of the most dangerous and destructive fighters in MMA history!

RB: Having Bas introduce him as well at that. I'm getting Pride flashbacks!

BS: This guy is dangerous. He was scary back then and is still scary now. He maybe up there in age but he is still just as dangerous as ever!

------------------------------ PICK FOURTEEN ------------------------------

AW: It is now time for our fourteenth selection in the heavyweight title tournament. Continuing on our international stance as we have so far confirmed fighters from America, Brazil, Russia, Dagestan, Belarus, Poland, Suriname, Spain, France and Bulgaria. For our next selection we then go to Slovakia for Martin "Badys" Buday!

MG: What a pick up this is! A young, hungry heavyweight who is looking to make his name here.

RB: Buday is a grappling specialist through and through. He's won several grappling tournaments and has the potential to upset some of the field!!

BS: Buday is a nightmare fight for anyone! He's the kind of opponent who everyone in the know is aware of how tough he is. He just doesn't have the recognition of some of the others. This is a dangerous fighter for anyone to step in with!

------------------------------ PICK FIFTEEN ------------------------------

AW: It is now time for our fifteenth selection. Coming off the back of multiple world champions we've announced in this field so far. We then follow with a former UFC and Bellator Light Heavyweight champion. A cross over star onto the big screen, the fifteenth participant in the tournament is Quinton "Rampage" Jackson!

MG: It's Rampage! A fighter who brings knockout power and a hell of a lot of personality to boot.

RB: Plus let's be real. While he may not be in his prime. Rampage brings a lot of power even now in the Heavyweight division.

BS: Also I'm just gonna say it. It's Rampage Jackson! This tournament just got a whole lot bigger!

------------------------------ PICK SIXTEEN ------------------------------

AW: We are now at the halfway point for the GFL Heavyweight title tournament as we will confirm the 16th participant in the GFL Heavyweight title tournament. Our 16th participant is a former IFL Heavyweight Champion and an ultimate fighter winner. He holds wins over names such as Antonio Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop and Bigfoot Silva. Participant 16th is Roy "Big Country" Nelson!

MG: Big Country! A true veteran of the game. He'll say it himself don't be fooled by the physique with this competitor.

RB: A lot of people forget because of Nelson's knockouts that he is also a skilled grappler. This is a very talented martial artist.

BS: I speak from first hand experience having fought Roy. He has an iron chin and a sledgehammer of a punch. He is going to be a tough out for anyone in this tournament.

MG: With us now at the halfway mark of the GFL Heavyweight title tournament. We will take a short break. But here is a refresher of just who has been announced so far!

HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS
1. Junior Dos Santos
2. Frank Mir
3. Andrei Arlovski
4. Ryan Bader
5. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
6. Mariusz Pudzianowski
7. Ali Isaev
8. Alexey Oleinik
9. Juan Espino
10. Fabricio Werdum
11. Cheick Kongo
12. Blagoy Ivanov
13. Sergei Kharitonov
14. Martin Buday
15. Quinton Jackson
16. Roy Nelson

 

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HEAVYWEIGHT BRACKETOLOGY
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----------------------------- PICK SEVENTEEN -----------------------------
AW: For our next competitor who is a standout of the amateur wrestling world. An NCAA champion and one of the most decorated wrestlers to ever transition into MMA. We thought who better to introduce this man, than another legendary figure of wrestling who made a successful transition into MMA. So please welcome Randy "The Natural" Couture!

(Randy Couture shows up on a live feed while our hosts clap)

MG: The Natural! Welcome to the GFL Randy Couture! I'm half surprised we aren't seeing you turn back the clock once again!

RC: My fighting days are long gone Mike and with the kid I am about to introduce I'm glad. This is someone I've personally seen grow up on the mat and we've even seen him beat olympians such as Gable Steveson. This is a monster on the mats who has in 2 fights shown to be a monster in the cage also. A true competitor and world class grappler, ladies and gentleman... Ant Cassar!

MG: Now this is a big surprise! Ant Cassar in the GFL Heavyweight title tournament.

RB: Normally in a field with the experience we have so far I'd say a 2-0 prospect is out his depth. But in this case we have a raw talent capable of grinding out anyone.

BS: This is a big pick up in my eyes with one hell of an endorsement to boot. We may have a dark horse in this tournament here.

----------------------------- PICK EIGHTEEN -----------------------------
AW: Our next participant in the tournament in a field of heavyweights is a true giant of the sport. A true veteran who has competed in the UFC, Strikeforce and Elite XC. He holds victories over Fedor Emelianenko, Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski. He is Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva!

MG: Bigfoot Silva! A true mountain of a man and perhaps one of the most physically dominant men in the tournament.

RB: Silva is terrifying. He is dangerous on the feet and on the ground.

BS: This is a guy who has fought the best of the best. He brings a wealth of big fight experience and freakish strength to the cage.

----------------------------- PICK NINTEEN -----------------------------
AW: For our next entry to the GFL tournament. We have a former UFC veteran who has competed in promotions such as the SFL and KSW. A true knockout artist who has never seen the judges scorecard. Entrant nineteen to the heavyweight title tournament will be Todd Duffee.

MG: Duffee! I remember seeing him blow his way onto the scene with that 6 second KO. Back then many thought this man was the future of the sport!

RB: Duffee may not have lived up to the potential of what we thought he'd be but he is a dangerous opponent. This is a heavy hitting and physically strong individual.

BS: Duffee is a bull. He is aggressive perhaps sometimes even a little too aggressive. He is a dangerous opponent for anyone!

----------------------------- PICK TWENTY -----------------------------
AW: Our next entry into the GFL is an unbeaten heavyweight and several time NCAA tournament winner. A standout from Bellator with a 5-0 professional record. He is Jarod "Doughboy" Trice!

MG: off the back of Ant Cassar we now have another unbeaten wrestler in this tournament in Jarod Trice.

RB: Trice is a bad match up for a lot of people in this tournament. He may not be the most exciting to watch but he is a dangerous out.

BS: This is a sleeper pick for the tournament. Trice is a heavy wrestler with a unending gas tank.

----------------------------- PICK TWENTY ONE -----------------------------
AW: For the twenty first reveal in the GFL Heavyweight title tournament. We felt for our next introduction, there was no better person to introduce him than a living legend of the sport and one of the most feared strikers in MMA history. A veteran of Bellator, UFC and Pride. Please welcome Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic!

(To a rousing response Mirko Cro Cop appears on the feed)

MG: Mirko! what a pleasure to have you hear!

Cro Cop: Thank you Mike. It is an honor to be here. I am here tonight to introduce a man who in my opinion is one of the next generation of Eastern European strikers. He is tall, technical and powerful. He is someone I believe can do big things in this tournament. The twenty first entry to the tournament is Kirill Kornilov!

MG: What an endorsement. When Mirko Cro Cop praises your striking. You know he is one to watch on the feet!

RB: This is definitely just in this case. We have a veteran of Glory Kickboxing who in his crossover to MMA already has eleven knockouts to his resume.

BS: He hasn't fought slouches either. He has beaten UFC veterans in his tenure. This guy is legit!

----------------------------- PICK TWENTY TWO -----------------------------
AW: Our twenty second selection in the GFL Heavyweight tournament is a two sport athlete who first competed in the UFC before crossing over into Bellator and the UFC. He has victories over Gabriel Gonzaga, Roy Nelson, Derrick Lewis and Fedor Emelianenko. With 11 knockouts in his 13 victories. Matt "Meathead" Mitrione!

MG: Robin. As many good things as I have to say about Mitrione, I think both me and you know who can sum him up best.

RB: That is right Mike. Mitrione is a great athlete but our colleague Brendan Schaub is the one to introduce him.

BS: Mitrione is my boy! One of my close friends and fellow competitors on the Ultimate Fighter. With Mitrione you can always expect chaos. He is a brawler through and through with a lot of power.

----------------------------- PICK TWENTY THREE -----------------------------

AW: Our next entrant maybe one of the most unique athletes in the field. A former olympic medalist in Taekwondo who has transitioned into MMA with fearsome knockout power. So we thought he deserved a true introduction from someone who knows dominant striking better than anyone. Please allow me to introduce Alistair "The Demolition Man" Overeem!

(As Alistair Overeem appears on the stream. He is met with applause from our hosts.)

MG: My friend it is good to see you! Welcome to the GFL.

AO: I am thrilled to be here Mike. Especially when I've been asked to introduce the man I have. As there are few heavyweights past and present as fearsome, dangerous and powerful as "The Big Boy" Robelis Despaigne!

MG: Oh my goodness. Despaigne! This guy is dangerous!

RB: We saw it in his UFC debut. We've seen it in Karate Combat. This is a lethal striker.

BS: This maybe the scariest man in the field. Just an absolute monster!

----------------------------- PICK TWENTY FOUR -----------------------------

AW: It is now time for our twenty fourth pick of the night. He is a UFC veteran and a former two time unified MMA heavyweight champion. A black belt in Shito Ryu Karate with twelve knockout wins under his belt. Tanner "The Bulldozer" Boser!

MG: I like this pick. Boser is a solid fighter and someone capable of upsetting the field.

RB: He maybe a little undersized notably having some fights at 205. But he makes up for that with skill, heart and volume.

BS: In my opinion, the most well rounded heavyweight in the field so far. Maybe not a dark horse but someone who can shock some people!

MG: Now we are 24 names in. Let's take another look at the Heavyweight title tournament so far

GFL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
1. Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos
2. Frank Mir
3. Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski
4. Ryan "Darth" Bader
5. Jairzinho "Bigi Boy" Rozenstruik
6. Mariusz "Pudzian" Pudzianowski
7. Ali Isaev
8. "The Boa Constrictor" Alexey Oleinik
9. Juan "El Guapo" Espino
10. Fabricio "Vai Cavalho" Werdum
11. Cheick Kongo
12. Blagoy Ivanov
13. Sergei "Paratrooper" Kharitonov
14. Martin "Budys" Buday
15. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
16. Roy "Big Country" Nelson
17. Ant "The Champ" Cassar
18. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva
19. Todd Duffee
20. Jarod "Doughboy" Trice
21. Kiril Kornilov
22. Matt "Meathead" Mitrione
23. "The Big Boy" Robelis Despaigne
24. Tanner "Bulldozer" Boser

 

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HEAVYWEIGHT BRACKETOLOGY​

--------------------------------------------------- PICK TWENTY FIVE ---------------------------------------------------

AW: As we continue our announcements for the Heavyweight GFL tournament. We then return to Belarus for our next selection. A veteran of ONE FC who is unbeaten in his ten pro fighters. With all his wins by way of finish and a victory over Geronimo Dos Santos. The next entry to the GFL Heavyweight tournament is Roman Lukashevich.

MG: A veteran of one fc and UAE. This is quite the pick.

RB: This is a young and talented heavyweight fighter. Very skilled submission artist.

BS: I really like this pick. In a field of well known faces and veterans. We now have a prospect with a world of potential.

--------------------------------------------------- PICK TWENTY SIX ---------------------------------------------------

AW: For our next fighter we decided that there would be no more fitting introduction than a fighter who knows exactly what it means to represent Russia on a national stage. Please welcome a former UFC tournament winner "The Russian Bear" Oleg Taktarov.

(As Oleg appears on the screen. He is greeted with a round of applause by our hosts.)

MG: Oleg! Welcome to the GFL.

OT: As someone who has competed in tournaments himself. I think this is great and definitely something I consider a honor to be apart of. The fighter I am here to introduce is someone who carries the same spirit that I had when I stepped in the cage. Tough, determined and unafraid. Please welcome Alexander "Tor" Podmarev.

MG: Man what an endorsement. When someone like Oleg Taktarov makes a point to call you tough. You know that means something.

RB: Podmarev is dangerous. A powerful striker who has put away 13 opponents by knockout.

BS: This is an excellent signing. Podmarev could very well be a sleeper pick in the tournament.

--------------------------------------------------- PICK TWENTY SEVEN ---------------------------------------------------

AW: Our next pick of the tournament is a UFC veteran from Cape Verde. A UFC and PFL veteran who has 9 knockouts under his belt. This includes a victory over Junior Dos Santos. Entry number Twenty Seven to the tournament is "The Mad Titan" Yorgan De Castro!

MG: De Castro! What a pick for the tournament!

RB: A truly powerful striker. De Castro is the epitome of don't blink. If he connects it's over.

BS: This is a dangerous fight for anyone. De Castro is literally the definition of one punch power!

--------------------------------------------------- PICK TWENTY EIGHT ---------------------------------------------------

AW: For our next selection we have a very special guest ready to make an introduction. As we have from the world of strongmen, an olympic athlete from Iran. Hossein Rezazadeh!

(The olympian appears on a live stream to applause from the hosts.)

MG: What a legend. Hossein welcome to the GFL

HR: There isn't anywhere I'd rather be. Tonight I am here to introduce to you the pride of Iran. A world champion wrestler. A warrior of iron will. He fights not for himself, but for the strength of a nation. Ladies and gentlemen… Amir Aliakbari

MG: Aliakbari! This one of the most accomplished greco roman wrestlers to ever step foot in MMA.

RB: There is something primal about Amir! A true conqueror who is looking to break you.

BS: Look, I fought big heavyweights in my career. But Aliakbari? Dude’s a different animal. He’s built like a tank, he’s got world-class wrestling, and he throws bombs like he’s trying to knock down a wall.

--------------------------------------------------- PICK TWENTY NINE ---------------------------------------------------

AW: Our next entry to the GFL Heavyweight title tournament is a heavyweight who brings some serious size and power. A fighter hailing from Canada who has fought internationally. Please welcome Jagroop Bhullar!

MG: We've mentioned Dark Horses but I think we definitely have one here!

RB: Bhullar is a big strong athlete and has finished 9 of his 10 wins.

BS: A raw talent with all the potential in the world. Jag Bhullar very well has the potential to make his name here.

--------------------------------------------------- PICK THIRTY ---------------------------------------------------

AW: Our thirtieth entrant in the GFL Heavyweight tournament is a young, american heavyweight standout. A multiple time heavyweight champion from the independent MMA scene. Brett "Big Dog" Martin!

MG: The Big Dog! Brett Martin has come to the GFL!

RB: Everything we just said about Bhullar we can say about Martin. Another true dark horse in this tournament.

BS: A young heavyweight with a world of upside. This is Martin's time to prove he is one of the best!

--------------------------------------------------- PICK THIRTY ONE ---------------------------------------------------

AW: For our next pick we have a true definition of a veteran and a scrapper. A fighter who always brings the action and never backs down from a challenge. A true striker who has fought some of the top heavyweights in the world. "The Vanilla Gorilla" Chase Sherman!

MG: Welcome to the GFL Chase Sherman! A true definition of an all action fighter who will surely bring the violence!

RB: Sherman is wild. He is unpredictable and he is dangerous. He has seventeen knockout wins under his record.

BS: This is a great addition to the tournament. Sherman is a warrior. He doesn't back down from anyone!

--------------------------------------------------- PICK THIRTY TWO ---------------------------------------------------

AW: And finally to complete our Introductions of the thirty two men set to compete in this historic tournament. We have a true pioneer of MMA and for the base of wrestling. He is the Godfather of Ground and Pound.. Mark "the hammer" Coleman!

(Mark Coleman is the next fight to appear on the stream to applause)

MG: The Hammer! Welcome to the GFL.

MC: Thank you! The guy I am here to introduce tonight is cut from the same cloth I was when I was in his shoes. A wrestler first but one who is looking to put it all together. He's powerful, young and more than ready to prove himself. Ladies and gentleman.. Please welcome Tyrell Fortune!

MG: That is huge. Mark Coleman welcoming Tyrell Fortune. This is a passing of the torch moment if I have ever seen it!

RB: Fortune is a fighter on the cusp of greatness. A powerful wrestler who is ever improving.

BS: Fortune has ten knockouts on his record including a win over my friend Matt Mitrione. Fortune is one to watch.

MG: Now with all thirty two heavyweights announced. Let's take a look at the full participant list before we announce our bracket.

GFL HEAVYWEIGHT TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS
1. Junior "Cigano" Dos Santos
2. Frank Mir
3. Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski
4. Ryan "Darth" Bader
5. Jairzinho "Bigi Boy" Rozenstruik
6. Mariusz "Pudzian" Pudzianowski
7. Ali Isaev
8. "The Boa Constrictor" Alexey Oleinik
9. Juan "El Guapo" Espino
10. Fabricio "Vai Cavalho" Werdum
11. Cheick Kongo
12. Blagoy Ivanov
13. Sergei "Paratrooper" Kharitonov
14. Martin "Budys" Buday
15. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson
16. Roy "Big Country" Nelson
17. Ant "The Champ" Cassar
18. Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva
19. Todd Duffee
20. Jarod "Doughboy" Trice
21. Kiril Kornilov
22. Matt "Meathead" Mitrione
23. "The Big Boy" Robelis Despaigne
24. Tanner "Bulldozer" Boser
25. Roman Lukashevich
26. Alexander "Tor" Podmarev
27. "The Mad Titan" Yorgan De Castro
28. Amir Aliakbari
29. Jagroop Bhullar
30. Brett "Big Dog" Martin
31. "The Vanilla Gorilla" Chase Sherman
32. Tyrell Fortune