Dream GFL Matchups for the Inaugural Season

The GFL has made waves since its first few matchups have been announced. The first event is planned for April in Los Angeles. Despite there being limited details, the intrigue is there to see some of the sport’s legends compete again.

Recently, the GFL has updated their website to include VP of Event Operations for all teams and team Los Angeles is the first team to have someone designated. Branden Ware is seemingly running Event Ops for the first show and the former CEO’s work will be on display in a few weeks time.

The GFL has announced the first round of matchups for the upcoming show featuring numerous prolific competitors. With the expectation set that the athletes will be fighting every other month, there is plenty of opportunity for the matchups listed in this article to come to fruition. So let’s go through every team and see what matchups could happen during the promotion’s inaugural season.

Heavyweight (265 Pounds)

Robelis Despaigne (5-2) vs. Bruno Cappelozza (15-7)

This matchup would be between Team Miami and Team São Paulo. It would be an absolute banger. Cappelozza, 35, won the 2021 PFL Heavyweight tournament and has fought other high-level competition like Jiří Procházka. Despaigne, 36, is a former bronze medalist in Taekwondo and is a 6’7″ behemoth.

Despaigne entered the UFC at 4-0, having won his last three fights in a combined 19 seconds. Including his first fight, Despaigne had a total of 5 minutes and 14 seconds of MMA cage time prior to joining the UFC. The quick finishes continued though, Despaigne had an incredible debut when he knocked out Josh Parisian in 18 seconds.

Despite the incredible power, Despaigne was shortly exposed in his next two fights, losing by decision. In both fights, he was susceptible to the takedown. In a matchup with Cappelozza, this may or may not be a factor. But, since leaving the UFC, Despaigne has knocked out three opponents in Karate Combat, in a combined 24 seconds. With momentum like this, he could be a serious threat in the GFL heavyweight division.

Despite proving in his career to be a more well-rounded fighter than Despaigne, Cappelozza is a striker at heart. His style can be considered one of a technical boxer, with a heavy-handed brawling style. Cappelozza also has multiple quick wins. He has five first-round wins to his name including one in 7 seconds. In the last few years, the Brazillian has struggled to fight consistently though. Despite taking nearly a year off, he should be ready to prove what he can bring to the heavyweight division.

These two matched up would make for a fun fight; if it were to stay standing. Their styles would lead to fireworks. Additionally, they are similar in age, and these two teams have yet to get matched up against each other. This is the fight the heavyweight division needs.

Light Heavyweight (225 Pounds)

Ovince Saint Preux (27-18) vs. Alexander Gustafsson (18-8)

A matchup that shockingly has yet to occur, could end up gracing us in the light heavyweight division. The GFL has already matched up other legends in the weight class and these two could be next. The former UFC title contenders could put on a matchup that would remind you of a UFC PPV main card fight; a decade ago. They were booked for a potential UFC fight in 2022 before Gustafsson pulled out. He has yet to return to the cage since.

OSP, 41, fought his last fight with the UFC last year at UFC 307. He has been consistently winning fights despite his old age. OSP has transitioned from contender to veteran gatekeeper, but continues to endure. Despite sending many prospects back, he has also been finished by a few of his recent opponents.

For Gustafsson, he has experienced some of the same downfall. He has been finished by his last four opponents. This dates back to fighting Jon Jones for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship. He was among the best in the division for many years, and kickstarted the growth of Swedish MMA.

This matchup would make for an interesting fight. The stylistic difference is stark, despite both having a similar tall and long body type. At its core, this is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, making the outcome seem predictable to some. Despite that, both men have strong abilities in other aspects of the fight. This matchup could bring the best out of both of their skill sets.

For the GFL, allowing veterans whose recent fights have shown deficiencies on the chin to compete together, makes perfect sense. This fight would be a lot of fun. It would be a great representation of what the best of the division has to offer.

Middleweight (200 Pounds)

Gegard Mousasi (49-9-2) vs. Derek Brunson (24-9)

Mousasi, the multiple-time middleweight and light heavyweight champion, will be making his return to the cage after nearly two years. Brunson, the former ranked UFC middleweight has been fighting high level opposition and legends of the sport for years.

In the GFL, a long-awaited crossover matchup becomes reality. Now representing Team London, Mousasi—who dominated Bellator’s middleweight division for years after leaving the UFC—returns to the cage. The Dutch-Armenian fighter has carved out a lasting MMA career, reigning over multiple eras and generations of middleweight and light heavyweight opponents.

His striking is world class and his grappling is very advanced. Mousasi is strong defensively, and uses weaponized ground-and-pound when in the top position. His weakness is getting taken down and this could come into play in this matchup against a wrestler in Brunson. Mousasi’s last two fights were losses by decision from high-level fighters Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards. Both times losing multiple grappling exchanges.

The American, Brunson has used his heavy hands and powerful wrestling for most of his career. In his PFL fight, Brunson defeated former PFL champion Ray Cooper III. Despite the recent success, his final two UFC fights were not as favorable. Brunson was finished at the end of round two both times.

To win against Mousasi, the path is clear; mix striking to get him to the ground. He would need to rely on his forward pressure, heavy hands, and wrestling. Mousasi, at 39, holds a two-year age advantage over the 41-year-old Brunson. His time off may have benefited his health and training. It may allows him to use his defensive wrestling to maintain dominant positions.

As you think about the fight in your head, the possibilities are endless. This is the exact type of fight the Global Fight League was built for. These fighters should be ready to appear on any of the upcoming cards and would certainly put on a show.

Welterweight (180 Pounds)

Abubakar Nurmagomedov (17-4-1) vs. Lorenz Larkin (27-8)

Representing Team Dubai and Team Los Angeles, two exciting veteran welterweights could face off. With 21 combined knockouts and strong grappling skills, they always deliver action. Though their paths have diverged since their UFC days, a GFL matchup feels like the perfect stage for them.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov has not fought in two years. The veteran went 2-2 with the promotion and got cut after all four fights went to decision. Prior to that, he went 1-1-1 with the PFL. Where Nurmagomedov did his best work though, was in the World Series of Fighting, going 5-0. As an extremely well rounded talent, Nurmagomedov can compete against any style of opponent.

As he enters the GFL talent pool, he may be the best welterweight on the roster. Despite many of his recent wins coming by way of decision, he won many fights by finish early in his career. He stopped his first eight fights with seven in the first round. Since suffering his first defeat, he has become more patient and well rounded. This bodes well for the higher levels of competition.

Lorenz Larkin is coming off a highlight reel worthy pair of knockouts. At 38, he has amassed quite a resurgence since joining Bellator. After his career with the UFC and Strikeforce, he has gone 8-3-1. With notable wins over fighters like Robbie Lawler and Jorge Masvidal, Larkin is a threat.

For Nurmagomedov, we have seen chinks in the armor when forced to fight against pressure. Larkin always brings the pressure. This would be a true style contrasting fight between a striker and a grappler. What makes it intriguing is that both have proven they can adapt and develop other parts of their games.

This fight is a violent fight, by design, that could showcase which veteran has more left in the tank. It seems perfect for the Dubai card scheduled in August. All that is known is that whenever these fighters show up, its must watch TV.

Lightweight (165 Pounds)

Patricky Pitbull (25-14) vs. Damir Ismagulov (26-3)

In what could be the most exciting division in the GFL, two seasoned lightweights could collide in a must-see matchup. Representing Team São Paulo and Team Dubai, these fighters bring dangerous striking and strong grappling, setting the stage for a potential Fight of the Night contender.

Brazil’s own Patricky Pitbull, the former Bellator Lightweight Champion, has spent over a decade battling the best in the world. Known for delivering action-packed fights, he now enters a fresh chapter in his career, looking to test himself against new competition. With 17 knockouts to his name, every fight Pitbull is in commands attention.

Opposing him is Damir Ismagulov, a Russian standout representing the famed Dagestani fighting style. While his wrestling and top pressure are his greatest strengths, Ismagulov isn’t afraid to trade on the feet, boasting 13 career knockouts. After parting ways with the UFC following losses to two current top-10 lightweights, he has bounced back with two MMA wins while also testing himself in boxing and kickboxing.

This matchup is as compelling as it gets. Both fighters have competed at the highest levels of the sport and would push each other to the limit. On paper, Ismagulov has key advantages—he’s younger, taller, and longer—but you can never count out a Pitbull. This is a fight that demands attention. In a stacked lightweight division, it would stand out as one of the most intriguing.

Featherweight (155 Pounds)

Khumoyun Tukhtamuradov (12-5) vs. Kai Kamaka III (14-6-1)

This fantasy matchup has all the makings of a Fight of the Night contender. Not much is known about the Uzbek prospect Tukhtamuradov. But, the 26-year-old is an explosive athlete with slick grappling and an intriguing striking arsenal. His opponent, Kamaka, brings sharp boxing and strong wrestling, making this a fast-paced battle between two dangerous finishers. Representing Team Dubai and Team New York, respectively, fans from both camps would be in for a show.

Tukhtamuradov utilizes his long legs as weapons on the feet, setting up opportunities to take the fight to the ground. Once there, he is relentless with submissions and remains a constant threat. He enters this matchup on an eight-fight winning streak, with seven of those victories coming by finish—six in the first round. Despite his finishing ability, he has shown he can go the distance, holding a 1-1 record in fights that reached the scorecards, with his lone loss being a split decision.

This test against Kamaka represents a significant step up in competition and his introduction to the global stage. At just 26, his evolution as a fighter is inevitable, and with his exciting style, “Borz” could quickly become a fan favorite.

However, standing across from him is a battle-tested Hawaiian in Kamaka. A veteran of the UFC, Bellator, LFA, and PFL, he has built a strong resume against elite competition. While most of his fights have gone the distance, he’s exciting to watch. Kamaka III possesses heavy hands and technical striking, making him a threat on the feet. But, he also has the wrestling skills to dictate where the fight takes place. In his most recent bout, he faced Brendan Loughnane in the PFL playoffs, dropping a competitive decision. Now, he looks to make a statement in his new promotion and prove he still belongs among the elite.

With two high-level competitors known for delivering action-packed fights, this bout would likely end in a finish. Not only would it excite GFL leadership and fans, but it could also introduce a rising featherweight contender. No matter the card, this fight belongs on it.

Bantamweight (145 Pounds)

Brett Johns (20-5) vs. Raphael Assunção (27-10)

The Bantamweight division has been one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a mix of battle-tested veterans and rising contenders, there’s no shortage of intriguing matchups. In this hypothetical showdown, Welshman Brett Johns could put his well-rounded skill set to the test against fellow veteran Raphael Assunção. Both fighters have competed in the UFC, yet they’ve never crossed paths inside the octagon.

Representing Team London and Team Brazil, respectively, each fighter would have the perfect training partners to mimic the other’s style. Fans could expect a high-level clash featuring both grappling and striking exchanges, making for an entertaining and competitive affair.

Johns has spent the past few years competing in PFL and Bellator, going 3-3 against stiff competition. Before that, he compiled a solid 5-2 record in the UFC, taking on some of the division’s best. With a strong grappling base and heavy hands, he has secured 10 career finishes.

Assunção, on the other hand, amassed an impressive 12-7 UFC record while facing the who’s who of the bantamweight division. Though inactive since leaving the promotion, he has remained in training, preparing for opportunities like this. A grappling specialist, Assunção has steadily improved his striking over the years, making this an intriguing stylistic matchup.

This fight would be a great addition to any card. But, it would be especially fitting for June’s London event, tapping into the support of the nearby Welsh fanbase.

Women’s Bantamweight (140 Pounds)

Alejandra Lara (11-8) vs. Evelyn Martins (5-1)

We could see two Brazilians going head-to-head in the women’s bantamweight division. Representing Team São Paulo will be Columbia’s Alejandra Lara. Representing Team Miami will be Brazil’s Evelyn Martins. This would be a great clash of styles for both women.

Lara, 30, has fought high-level competition consistently for many years now. She fought the who’s who of the Bellator flyweight division, including challenging for the title in 2018. Since leaving Bellator after a nine-fight run, Lara has fought three more high-level fights with Invincta FC and Combate Global. She also won the Budo Sento Championship flyweight title. Lara is a well-rounded, aggressive fighter. She also has shown the ability to go the distance. The best part about her though, is her glowing personality. Having her at a fight event will surely make it more fun.

The aforementioned Evelyn Martins is a 22-year-old prospect training. She is a highly touted grappler. Despite that, her striking continues to show improvement with each fight. She has taken on a high level of competition thus far, competing in PFL for her last four matchups.

The big concern for Martins is her ability to make weight. Competing at featherweight, Martins missed weight twice in her tenure with the PFL. Despite that, in all her fights, she showcased the ability to be a very capable fighter. If she can make the 140-pound limit in the GFL, she may hold a large size advantage over the competition.

A scrap between these Brazillians would be perfectly suited for the GFL São Paulo card currently set to occur in September.

Women’s Strawweight (125 Pounds)

Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (13-3) vs. Josefine Knutsson (8-1)

This fight in the GFL strawweight division would feature members of Team Los Angelos and Team London respectively. It would feature some of the highest level strawweights fighting that you can find outside of the UFC. Despite both women having very different careers to date, their styles would mesh for an exciting, high-level fight.

The former Bellator flyweight champion had defended the belt four times from 2017-2019. Despite fighting less since then, the 35-year-old Macfarlane has continued fighting high levels of competition. Returning to 125 pounds may be a challenge, as she has missed weight in two out of her last three fights. With eight finishes on her record, her quality is on display. Of those, six come by way of submission. Her strong grappling pairs well with her striking and at 125 pounds, she can be a real challenge.

Across from her in this hypothetical scenario is Josefine Knutsson, who was briefly a UFC prospect. After three fights accumulating a 2-1 record, the UFC and Knutsson shockingly parted ways. Since then, the fight world has been looking forward to seeing where the 29-year-old would land. Once it was announced that she was signing with the GFL, excitement started to brew.

Knutsson is a high-level women’s wrestler and grappler. She trains with Khamzat Chimaev in Sweden and has a strong camp behind her. Alongside her grappling skills, she boasts solid striking, utilizing kicks effectively and displaying decent boxing. If she reaches her potential in the GFL, she could become a star. Despite fighting at 115 pounds in the UFC, Knutsson will certainly take advantage of the extra 10-pound allowance.

This fight would be an extremely fun match for the strawweight division. A former Bellator champion vs. a former top prospect would be a showcase of the best of what the weight class has to offer.

Women’s Atomweight (110 Pounds)

Cory McKenna (8-4) vs. Natasha Kuziutina (7-1)

The women’s atomweight division has been a hot topic lately, especially after the UFC eliminated its featherweight division, sparking speculation about a potential replacement. With a wealth of atomweight talent available, the GFL is looking to capitalize. One intriguing potential matchup could see two elite grapplers put their skills to the test.

Welsh fighter Cory McKenna, 25, enters this bout after parting ways with the UFC last year. In 2024, she faced two high-level opponents and has since been waiting for the right opportunity. Now able to compete in her natural weight class, McKenna is an exciting addition to the atomweight division.

A strong grappler with an impressive amateur background, McKenna will represent Team Los Angeles. Though she left the UFC with a 3-3 record, she still has plenty to prove. Her ground-and-pound has looked dangerous, and she can wrestle with anyone. Facing a true test in her GFL debut would be a great way to kick off the 2025 season.

On the other side, Russian standout Natasha Kuziutina trains out of American Top Team and will represent Team Miami. The 35-year-old was the LFA interim strawweight champion, defending her title twice and going 3-0 in the promotion. Before that, she had an equally dominant 3-0 run in Titan FC. Her only professional loss came prior to that, against UFC prospect Fatima Kline.

Now making the move to GFL, Kuziutina is a serious threat in the atomweight division. However, she’ll be facing opponents with high-level experience. This matchup would serve as a great measuring stick for both fighters, likely coming down to who can establish and maintain dominant top control on the mats.

Which GFL matchups do you want to see this season? Let us know in the comments.

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