Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio are none too happy with the Professional Fighters’ League. Following a less-than-stellar clash between the pair at PFL’s Friday night event, the PFL announced suspensions for both fighters.
Neither took kindly to the news. Schulte took to Twitter to express his disdain, calling on PFL’s latest star signing, Francis Ngannou, for support. Schulte also declared that the suspensions were politically motivated, designed to “favor Shane Burgos’ entry into the playoffs.”
Suspended Fighters Put PFL On Blast, Summon Francis Ngannou
“I am very unsatisfied with the decision that was taken by the PFL last night to favor Shane Burgos’ entry into the playoffs. You remember Francis Ngannou’s fight against Derrick Lewis. He didn’t throw six punches the whole fight and he wasn’t cut for his performance that night.
So I ask you Francis Ngannou, since you protect the rights of the fighters, do you think this decision is correct?”nManfio’s manager, Brian Butler, adopted a similar stance in an official statement.
Butler pointed out that the pair were longtime friends, a poor matchup that led to a less exciting fight. If the fault is in the matchmaking, not with the fighters, argues Butler, then it’s hardly fair for the fighters to be penalized.
“To make a subjective decision like this from a promoter that stakes its claim in fighter advocacy is just a bad look, in my opinion. Judges make bad calls all the time with less repercussions.
Raush and Natan are best friends and have been exclusive training partners for each other for years. Natan is the godfather of Raush’s daughter. To say they know each other’s styles, tricks and techniques inside and out is a gross understatement.
Situations like bad style matchups and lackluster fights happen in this sport all the time but the unique thing about the PFL and the ‘tournament/point format’ is that it would sort itself out on its own in the end. Our client got half his pay and zero points to move forward in the tournament. This is distasteful and unnecessary.”
The PFL has been relatively suspension-happy of late, with a rake of athletes facing bans for performance enhancing drug use. The promotion has made major strides in its attempt to dethrone the UFC at the top of the MMA promotion pyramid, particularly by signing former UFC heavyweight champ Francis Ngannou.
PFL has staked much of their reputation on treating fighters better than other promotions, with more generous payouts and a tournament format rather than pay-per-views. Time will tell whether this suits Natan Schulte and Raush Manfio.
