PFL debut event set for June 30 at Daytona International Speedway with Fitch vs. Foster

While the newly minted Professional Fighters League will wait until 2018 to launch its debut season, the promotion will hold its first event later this month.

MMAjunkie today confirmed with PFL officials that the company will hold a four-fight card on June 30 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., headlined by former WSOF welterweight champion Jon Fitch (29-7-1) vs. ex-WOSF lightweight tournament finalist Brian Foster (27-9).

The card airs live on NBCSN following the completion of the Coca-Cola Firecracker 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series race that also takes place at Daytona International Speedway.

“In this first-of-its-kind partnership, the Professional Fighters League inaugural event at Daytona will bring fans of MMA and stock car racing together – both of whom thrive on intensity and high-stakes competition,” PFL President of Event Production and Business Operations Carlos Silva stated. “This is the first in a series of innovative and groundbreaking league initiatives from the Professional Fighters League, and we’re proud to kick it all off at one of racing’s most iconic venues.”

Additional 2017 PFL cards from the will include events on July 29 in Everett, Wash.; Oct. 14 in Las Vegas; and Thursday, Nov. 4 in Washington D.C.

PFL officials said the bouts will help determine initial rankings for the company’s 2018 season, which kicks off in January and will award each of its winners a $1 million prize.

“The road to the first Professional Fighters League playoffs and postseason $1 million purse begins this January, but the winners in Daytona could have a little smoother start,” PFL President of Fighting Operations Ray Sefo stated. “Recruitment for 2018 continues at a strong pace, and we’re looking forward to welcoming more athletes into the Professional Fighters League in the coming weeks and months.”

While Bellator recently conducted fights in association with a NASCAR event, the card was held in conjunction with a race sponsor, Monster Energy, and not the track itself. Additionally, the card featured local recruits and was not aired, while PFA will feature rostered talent in a live broadcast.

The debut PFL lineup includes:

• Jon Fitch vs. Brian Foster
• Ronny Markes vs. Smealinho Rama
• Herman Terrado vs. Joao Zeferino
• Caros Fodor vs. Jason High

For more on PFA 1, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.