Today, we found out the one of the most exciting featherweights in the UFC is heading to the PFL. “Hurricane” Shane Burgos (15-3) announced today at the top of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour that he is leaving the world’s premier MMA organization for the PFL.
After his last fight, Burgos announced that he was a free agent and he would love to test the market. Burgos took so much pride in being a UFC fighter that his future wasn’t clear one way or the other. However, after testing the market, there was one place he needed to call home.
That place is the PFL. Per Burgos, the financial offer from the PFL is one that he couldn’t turn down. While the UFC tried to re-sign their 14th ranked featherweight, they balked at matching the PFL’s offer. The difference in the offers is substantial and one that Burgos needed to take.
Burgos to the PFL
Shane Burgos said that it was a tough decision despite the massive financial gap. Apparently, he’s turned down offers that would have paid him six figures more than his UFC deal in the past. However, he took so much pride in fighting inside the octagon that he didn’t want to walk away.
However, this free agency was different. Burgos focused on his family for the decision and as a result, he’s going to the PFL. This is a huge addition to the featherweight division and Burgos will try to reverse the fortune of former UFC fighters in the PFL cage.
Rory MacDonald and Anthony Pettis really struggled in the PFL. However, Burgos is different to me. He’s in the prime of his career and he’s really hitting his stride having won back-to-back fights over the likes of Billy Quarantillo and Charles Jourdain. Burgos also said that his deal will allow him to commentate in the future.