The Global Fight League (GFL) is preparing to make another run at the MMA world, announcing its first official event after its initial launch plans fell apart in 2025.
The promotion will hold its team-based MMA event on Friday, December 18, 2026, at Microestadio Club Atlético Lanús in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Miami Monsters will face the Buenos Aires Gauchos in what the league hopes will mark the beginning of a new era.
GFL announced the event in an Instagram post on October 24, revealing plans to feature 20 fighters across the two teams. However, the promotion has yet to announce the individual matchups or provide details about the broadcast schedule. Roster announcements are expected to begin Monday, October 26.
“A new era in mixed martial arts officially begins,” the promotion wrote in its Instagram caption. “After years of vision, determination, and building something truly different, we are proud to announce the first official event in Global Fight League history.”
Former UFC title contender Marlon Moraes (24-13-1) is among the fighters expected to represent the Miami Monsters. The 38-year-old veteran recently joined the roster after returning to competition in August and defeating Maximiliano Perez by unanimous decision. The victory snapped a seven-fight losing streak across his runs in the UFC and PFL dating back to 2020.
GFL is the brainchild of former World Series of Fighting executive Darren Owen, who launched the promotion in 2025. The league quickly attracted several prominent names in MMA, including former UFC champions Tyron Woodley, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Anthony Pettis and Holly Holm.
However, the promotion struggled to get off the ground after announcing two events for May 24 and 25, 2025. GFL subsequently canceled both shows, raising questions about the organization’s financial backing and ability to deliver on its plans.
Veteran fighter Urijah Faber later discussed the failed launch, alleging that Owen and the organization had misrepresented the amount of money they were putting into the project.
Despite the setback, GFL appears determined to revive its plans. The promotion’s latest announcement follows a September 24 statement in which it revealed that investor Ryan Brockbank had signed a binding letter of intent to acquire the rights to its first independently owned franchise for a seven-figure sum.
According to GFL, it had received a non-refundable initial payment, with the remaining balance due in 2027. The company said the investment would support its Argentina proof-of-concept event in the final quarter of 2026 and preparations for a full season in 2027. However, it did not disclose the exact purchase price or the size of the initial payment.
Commissioner Darren Owen outlined the promotion’s broader ambitions in the September release.
“From the beginning, our vision for GFL has extended beyond producing individual fight events,” Owen said.To everyone who has believed in the vision and supported the journey, this moment is for you.”
