The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has made waves in the MMA world by legalizing elbow strikes in all fights starting in 2025. This bold rule change aims to align the league with unified MMA standards and address fan criticisms while giving fighters a wider arsenal of techniques. With this decision, the PFL continues its push to rival the UFC and expand its global footprint.
Elbow strikes: A game-changing addition to the PFL rulebook
Since its founding in 2018, the PFL prohibited elbow strikes in most fights to avoid injuries that could disrupt its seasonal format. Fighters competing up to four times in six months faced the risk of deep lacerations and medical suspensions, which could have derailed the league’s strict schedule. However, after successfully introducing elbows in the 2024 World Championship finals, the PFL has now fully embraced the technique for the entire 2025 season.
Chairman Donn Davis announced the change on social media, stating, “New Year, New Adjustments. YOU asked for ELBOWS, @PFLMMA is giving you elbows! All elbows. All fights. All the time.” This move follows the Association of Boxing Commissions’ decision to lift its ban on “12-to-6” downward elbow strikes—one of the most controversial techniques in MMA history.
Why this matters for fighters and fans
The legalization of elbows is a significant step in bringing the PFL closer to the UFC’s rule set, a move widely praised by fans and fighters alike. Fighters now have the ability to utilize elbows in clinch situations and ground-and-pound strategies, further diversifying their combat options. MMA fans have called the change “long overdue,” with many celebrating the league’s willingness to adapt and evolve.
“This is a fantastic move for the sport,” one fan commented on social media. Fighters like Dakota Ditcheva, the undefeated 2024 PFL flyweight champion, have also voiced their enthusiasm. “I’m thrilled about this change,” Ditcheva said. “It opens up new opportunities for fighters to showcase their skills, and I’m hopeful we can bring a major PFL event to Manchester in 2025.”
All eyes on Dubai: The “Road to Dubai Champions Series”
The PFL’s first major event of 2025, the “Road to Dubai Champions Series,” is set to take place on January 25 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. This high-profile event marks a significant step in the league’s global expansion, backed by Saudi investor Turki Alalshikh. The headline bout features undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov against rising Irish star Paul Hughes, alongside 10 other fights on the card.
Notable matchups include Khasan Magomedsharipov versus Nathan Kelly, and Ibragim Ibragimov facing Kenny Mokhonoana. These bouts promise to showcase the impact of the newly legalized elbow strikes under high-stakes conditions. Fans are eager to see how this rule adjustment will influence fight dynamics, potentially leading to more aggressive finishes and tactical exchanges in the cage.
What the rule change means for the PFL’s future
The decision to legalize elbows is part of the PFL’s broader strategy to position itself as a viable alternative to the UFC. By aligning its rules with the unified standards of MMA, the league hopes to attract top-tier talent and a larger global audience. The inclusion of elbow strikes also adds an element of unpredictability, as fighters adapt to new offensive and defensive strategies.
Despite the challenges this rule may pose to the PFL’s seasonal format—such as the risk of injuries delaying fighter schedules—league officials remain confident. “This is about pushing the sport forward,” Chairman Donn Davis said. “We’re not just competing; we’re innovating.”
A pivotal year ahead for the PFL
As the PFL kicks off 2025 with a revamped rulebook and a marquee event in Dubai, the league is poised for a transformative year. The legalization of elbow strikes not only modernizes its rule set but also signals its readiness to challenge the dominance of the UFC. With ambitious global expansion plans and high-stakes matchups, the PFL is making a statement: it is here to compete at the highest level.
The January 25 event in Dubai will serve as a litmus test for how the rule change impacts competition. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the inclusion of elbow strikes adds excitement and intensity to fights without compromising fighter safety. With a stacked card and international attention, the “Road to Dubai Champions Series” has all the ingredients to kickstart a defining year for the PFL.
For fighters, fans, and the MMA industry as a whole, 2025 marks a new chapter—not just for the PFL, but for the evolution of mixed martial arts. By embracing change and innovation, the PFL is proving it is not content to remain in the shadow of the UFC. Its bold moves, including the legalization of elbows, could very well redefine the competitive landscape of the sport.
