Anthony Pettis: PFL Protecting Fighters With Bubble For Events

The PFL is taking all of the necessary precautions and steps ahead of returning in April with the start of the 2021 season.

Along with putting together the most complete roster of athletes yet spread among the six weight classes competing for a championship and million-dollar check at the end, the PFL executive team worked on getting a state-of-the-art bubble environment positioned in Atlantic City, New Jersey and the Ocean Casino Resort.

 Much like the NBA did last year in bringing players back to the court and crowning a champion, the PFL will take advantage of the company’s industry-leading production team to create an unforgettable setup that is perfectly made for television live on the ESPN family of networks.

“I think they’re definitely approaching it right. They’re putting their resources together and making sure we’re protected as professional athletes, and I love it,” said Anthony Pettis, who will appear in the main event of PFL 1. “Their plan that they had behind it is efficient. I think it’s something that’s necessary, especially right now.” 

But it goes beyond just what fight fans will see from the most innovative and fastest growing league in the world.

Fighters will be brought in 17 days ahead of their scheduled fight to go through all of the needed testing procedures to make sure they are healthy and ready to go. That also goes for those helping the athletes prepare for battle, along with the entire PFL staff being tested. 

“I actually like being in the bubble, honestly,” Pettis said. “I like being in that mindset of being isolated, only focus is the fight. It’s new for me, 17 days is new for me. I’ve never been, no fighters have done it that long yet. I guess we’ll see how it goes.”

These steps will all be taken on a daily basis to eliminate any chance of COVID-19 spreading along with mask requirements and isolation amongst the fighters. 

The PFL has also made it a priority to provide fighters with anything they need to continue training in preparation for their bouts including full access to training facilities and the official PFL cage. 

PFL 1 is set for April 23 live on ESPN2 with Pettis meeting Clay Collard along with two-time PFL champions Natan Schulte and Lance Palmer in action. Schulte faces Marcin Held and Palmer meets former wrestling adversary Bubba Jenkins.