Urijah Faber Recounts the GFL Debacle: A Financial Fake-Out
In the world of mixed martial arts, few stories are as intriguing as the rise and fall of the Global Fight League (GFL). Urijah Faber, a renowned fighter, found himself entangled in the aftermath of this ambitious venture, offering a unique perspective on the events that unfolded. In 2024, the entrepreneur Darren Owen unveiled a groundbreaking MMA promotion, the GFL, promising a star-studded roster and substantial compensation for its athletes. Among the notable names signed to the league were Tyron Woodley, Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, Fabricio Werdum, Chris Weidman, Holly Holm, and, of course, Urijah Faber.
Faber, intrigued by the prospect of a team-based league, signed on to compete alongside these legends. The league's initial events were set to take place in May in Los Angeles, marking a significant moment in the sport. However, fate had other plans. In April, the events were abruptly canceled, leaving fans and fighters alike in a state of uncertainty.
In a recent episode of Dominick Cruz's podcast, Love & War, Faber shed light on his brief but eventful journey with the GFL. He recounted the initial allure of the offer, emphasizing the substantial financial incentives. Owen, the promoter, presented a compelling vision, but Faber's instincts kicked in, raising questions about the venture's feasibility.
"They were offering a ton of money," Faber recalled. "I had the main guy and a guy I knew who used to run West Coast Fighting Championship come to my house and explain it. At first, it didn't make much sense. Some parts made sense, but the offer and everything else didn't add up. The guy had a sincere idea, but it was a bit delusional... some pieces weren't making sense. I felt he was a bit gullible, a bit delusional, which is okay."
Faber's manager, aware of Owen's substantial financial resources, played a pivotal role in his decision. The manager had seen Owen's checking account with a staggering $30 million, providing a sense of reassurance. Faber also consulted with Anthony Pettis and Paige VanZant, who had received pre-checks from Owen, further solidifying his belief in the venture's legitimacy.
However, Faber approached the GFL with caution, understanding the potential risks. He even sought advice from UFC CEO Dana White, ensuring he wasn't bound by any contractual obligations to the promotion he had competed for from 2011-2019. Faber's decision to stay informed and not fully commit proved to be a wise one.
As the GFL's plans began to unravel, Faber's instincts proved correct. The supposed funds allocated to the fighters were not as they seemed. "The chinks in the armor started showing up," Faber said. "It turned out the money in the bank was just a snapshot of money he had briefly and then had to give it back. They had asked me to do some things ahead of time, get my medicals, and I already saw the writing on the wall."
Faber's foresight led him to instruct his management not to proceed with the medicals, a decision that ultimately saved him from potential harm. The GFL's demise was inevitable, and Faber's involvement served as a cautionary tale for the industry.
Owen's vision, despite its flaws, aimed to provide an alternative to the dominant UFC. The promoter envisioned a league that combined proven veterans with the structure of traditional team-based sports. However, Faber, while admiring Owen's ambition, remained impartial, recognizing the challenges of challenging the UFC's supremacy.
"On the point of the GFL saying, 'Well, this is what's wrong with the UFC and everything else,' I'm like, everything's separate for me," Faber stated. "They run the way they're going to do it and have their success, and I feel like the owner of the GFL was kind of to that note. But for me, I have a lot of gratitude, and I feel like this sport is growing because of black belts in business having the money. That was it."
The GFL's debacle serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between ambition and reality in the world of sports promotions. Faber's story highlights the importance of due diligence and the potential pitfalls of financial deception. As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, the GFL's journey remains a fascinating chapter, leaving fans and fighters alike with valuable lessons.
